Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP), Gathoni Wamuchomba, has openly accused fellow legislators of being pressured into voting in Parliament, suggesting that outside influence plays a significant role in shaping the decisions of MPs.

During an appearance on Citizen TV’s Daybreak Show, Wamuchomba revealed that calls from State House and senior figures within the Kenya Kwanza administration are made to MPs before they cast their votes.

“Kenyan legislators operate from a place of political patronage,” Wamuchomba stated. “You are often called while on the floor of the House, and told how to vote. No vote in Parliament happens without these external pressures.”

Wamuchomba emphasized that while many politicians claim to be independent, the reality is that they are all subject to these political calls.

“Every politician will deny it, but I can tell you, not a single vote goes down without a call from the Majority Leader, Majority Whip, or even from State House,” she added.

The MP further pointed out how this pattern was evident during the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, as well as throughout the contentious Finance Bill debates.

Wamuchomba also made a connection between Gachagua’s outspoken criticism of the government and his newfound freedom from political obligations.

She claimed that Gachagua, now free from political pressure, is able to speak candidly about the failings of the administration.

“Rigathi Gachagua was once in that cage,” Wamuchomba explained. “Now that he is out, he can speak his mind freely. Some of us are still very conflicted, as we are never entirely comfortable in that cage.”

Since his impeachment in October 2024, Gachagua has become a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration, calling out what he describes as weak leadership and poor governance.