Senator Maanzo Files Censure Motion Against President Ruto Over Constitutional Breaches

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has filed a censure motion against President William Ruto, accusing him of violating the Constitution and undermining the rights and unity of Kenyans during his time in office. Maanzo claims that Ruto has failed to protect citizens from police brutality and marginalized sections of the population through controversial policies.

Maanzo's motion points to several instances where he argues that President Ruto has breached the Constitution, specifically Articles 131 and 25, which outline the president’s role in protecting fundamental rights and promoting national unity. The Senator asserts that the president's handling of key national policies has created divisions in the country, citing a lack of public participation as a critical issue.

Among the policies under scrutiny are the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the new university funding model, the Housing Levy, and the controversial Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) takeover by India’s Adani Holdings. According to Maanzo, these initiatives have been implemented without adequate public consultation, further deepening tensions across Kenya.

In filing the motion, Maanzo urged the Senate to formally censure President Ruto and called for greater accountability in the conduct of the presidency. “It is imperative that we hold the president to account for his actions that are exacerbating divisions in the country,” Maanzo stated.

This is not the first time senior members of the government have faced scrutiny in the Senate. Recently, Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana filed a separate censure motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Mungatana's motion criticizes Gachagua for allegedly breaching his constitutional obligations, accusing him of failing to uphold the integrity and leadership standards required of a state officer as outlined in Article 75 of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act.

Mungatana argued that Gachagua has disregarded his oath of office, highlighting concerns over his conduct in handling national matters. The simultaneous censure motions against both the president and the deputy president mark an unprecedented level of criticism aimed at Kenya's highest offices.

The censure motion against President Ruto reflects the increasing discontent among political leaders over his administration’s handling of national issues. As divisions within the Senate deepen, the move could signal the beginning of a broader political challenge to Ruto’s leadership. While the censure motion does not carry the same weight as an impeachment, it is a symbolic gesture that could impact Ruto's public standing and influence future political discourse.

Critics have voiced concerns over the president's economic policies, with widespread protests over the Housing Levy and public backlash against the SHIF rollout, which has faced numerous legal challenges. Meanwhile, the JKIA takeover by Adani Holdings, an Indian conglomerate, has raised alarms over national sovereignty and public ownership of critical infrastructure.

As these censure motions gain traction, it remains to be seen how the Senate will handle the debates and whether they will lead to a deeper investigation into the conduct of Kenya’s top leadership.

The censure motions against President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua underscore growing frustrations with the leadership of Kenya's executive. As Senators Maanzo and Mungatana push for accountability, the political landscape appears increasingly polarized, with the potential for wider implications on governance and public trust in the presidency.licies. Let me know if you'd like to adjust anything