Introduction
This report highlights notable trends on social media platforms X and Facebook as well as legacy media outlets. During the monitored period, October 7-11, the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was a dominant theme across all platforms.
On X other hashtags such as the Adani Ketraco deal and calls to form IEBC were noted. On Facebook, the dysfunctional IEBC formed part of the notable trends. Legacy media outlets extensively covered these issues.
Gachagua’s impeachment
On October 7, 2024, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua held a media briefing at his official residence in Karen, hours before he was set to appear before the National Assembly following the impeachment motion tabled against him by the Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse. The Deputy President faces 11 charges among them corruption, undermining the Presidency, ethnic division, violating his oath of office, and contravening the National Cohesion and Integration Act. On October 8, 282 MPs voted in support of the motion to impeach DP Gachagua. Senate Speaker Kingi said the motion will be investigated on October 16 and 17.
The DP appeared before the National Assembly, where he mounted his defence. Key in his defence was that most of the property alleged to be irregularly acquired was from his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua. The DP also disputed the accusations he was divisive and a tribalist, revealing power-sharing agreements between Kenya Kwanza and partner parties including FORD-Kenya and Pamoja African Alliance.
During the week, intrigues were reported, notably the race to replace the DP, assuming the Senate upholds the impeachment.
Impact on media
Media outlets dissected the political implications, scrutinised Gachagua’s defence, and analysed the potential impact of the impeachment. The Senate rejected a special committee in favour of a plenary session. The media has emphasised the transparency and openness of the process. With deadlines approaching for Gachagua’s defence and Senate hearings, outlets have shifted resources to analysis, covering both the legal aspects of the impeachment and its broader socio-political impacts.
Adani Ketraco deal
On October 11, the hashtag KETRACO dominated the X platform (11,7000 posts as of October 12) after it was reported that the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company signed a deal with Adani Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of the Adani Group. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi noted said the agreement valued at Sh95.68 billion spans 30 years. The Indian company will be responsible for financing, constructing, and maintaining transmission lines and substations. On X, the agreement sparked considerable backlash and dominated legacy and online media outlets.
Kenyans criticised the Adani-Ketraco deal, questioning its selection and transparency. They questioned why their denials fell on deaf ears and called for media investigation into the deal’s intricacies and taxpayer costs. Media should conduct investigations and present objective analyses regarding concerns over the deal.
Impact on media
#FormIEBC
Following the impeachment proceedings of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kenyans on X called for constitution of the IEBC. The rallying call came amidst the slogan “Kufa dereva, Kufa makanga,” referencing that both President William Ruto and his Deputy should be removed. Further, netizens argued that the constitution of IEBC would enable Kenyans to remove from power Members of Parliament seen as part of Kenya’s problems. On October 11, the hashtag trended at position two, amassing 387,000 tweets over 24 hours.
Similarly, on Facebook the debate highlighted the dysfunction of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, giving attention to the fate of the nation in case President William Ruto and his Deputy were impeached.
Impact on media
The hashtag’s widespread engagement highlighted the loud calls for accountable leadership. Journalists can investigate and report on issues related to governance, public confidence, and the implications of potential reforms within the IEBC. It’s the role of the media to inform and educate the public about key areas where the government is dragging and help to hold them accountable.
