Senator Dan Maanzo Alleges Ksh.4 Million Bribery Attempt in Gachagua Impeachment Vote
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has made explosive allegations, claiming that he was offered a Ksh.4 million bribe to vote in favor of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment. Maanzo alleges that “state agents” attempted to influence the outcome of the vote by bribing lawmakers and intimidating those who resisted.
Bribery and Intimidation in Parliament
Speaking on Citizen TV, Maanzo detailed how lawmakers who refused to support Gachagua’s removal faced continuous threats. He claimed that those orchestrating the scheme were determined to secure a unanimous vote against the former DP.
“At least in the Gachagua matter, there was such an approach, and it didn’t work. The offer was Ksh.4 million if you vote YES. And if you take it and vote NO, then you wouldn’t get to your home,” Maanzo revealed.
The senator further alleged that members of Parliament and individuals linked to the government were actively involved in influencing the voting process.
“Some of them are MPs, and others come from the hill (State House),” he added.
Corruption Claims in Lawmaking
Beyond Gachagua’s impeachment, Maanzo decried rampant corruption in Kenya’s legislative process, asserting that laws are often passed under duress.
“This bribery in the House must stop. We are running the country through bribes,” he lamented, emphasizing that corruption has deeply infiltrated governance structures.
Healthcare Crisis Deepens Amid Allegations
Maanzo also linked the country’s governance woes to the failing healthcare system, citing issues plaguing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). He argued that corruption and mismanagement have led to a broken health sector, leaving Kenyans without essential medical services.
President William Ruto recently acknowledged the failure in implementing his administration’s health agenda, particularly the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). While addressing a congregation in Roysambu on March 2, 2025, Ruto admitted the system faced significant challenges but expressed optimism about its success.
“It is the biggest program we have in the country. It may take time for things to align, but believe you me, it is going to work,” Ruto stated.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed these sentiments, assuring Kenyans that the government remains committed to fixing glitches and ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services.
Private Hospitals Threaten to Suspend SHIF Services
As the crisis worsens, the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has announced plans to suspend SHIF services, citing government inaction in resolving critical issues. The association pointed out systemic failures, including prolonged system downtime, delays in One-Time Password (OTP) verification, and difficulties in tracking claim approvals.
“We have unpaid debts dating back to 2017. Hospitals are facing bank defaults, we have stockouts of essential medicines, and many consultants haven’t been paid for years,” a RUPHA official stated.
The unfolding crisis raises serious concerns about governance, corruption, and the ability of the Ruto administration to implement reforms. As Parliament continues to grapple with bribery allegations, Kenyans remain caught in the crossfire, demanding accountability and tangible solutions to the nation’s pressing issues.
Stay tuned to Nairobian for more updates on Kenya’s political and economic landscape.
In other news:Parliamentary Shake-Up: Gachagua Allies Demoted as Ndindi Nyoro Loses Budget Committee Chairmanship
Senator Dan Maanzo Alleges Ksh.4 Million Bribery Attempt in Gachagua Impeachment Vote