Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, faces a critical impeachment vote in parliament, marking a deepening divide within the governing party.
Accused of corruption, undermining government efforts, and engaging in ethnically divisive politics, Gachagua’s political future hangs in the balance.
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The 59-year-old deputy to President William Ruto has denied the allegations, calling them “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda” during a press conference on Monday.
He claims the accusations are part of a scheme to force him out of office.
Gachagua, a businessman from Kenya’s largest tribe, the Kikuyu, has weathered previous corruption scandals and rose to the position of deputy leader after Ruto’s victory in the closely contested August 2022 election.
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Tensions between Gachagua and Ruto have escalated in recent weeks, with Gachagua complaining about being sidelined.
He has also been accused of supporting youth-led anti-government protests sparked by controversial tax hikes.
Several MPs allied with Gachagua were recently summoned by police, accused of funding the protests.
Despite these tensions, no formal charges or judicial investigations have been launched against him.
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The impeachment motion, initiated on October 1, has gained significant support, with 291 MPs backing the process — far surpassing the 117 needed to bring the motion to a vote.
Among the 11 charges against Gachagua is the allegation that he accumulated assets worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings ($40 million) since the last election, despite earning an annual salary of $93,000.
His assets are reported to include the famed Treetops Hotel, historically significant as the place where Britain’s Princess Elizabeth learned she had become queen.
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Gachagua has defended his wealth as coming from legitimate business dealings and an inheritance from his late brother.
He warned that his removal would stir unrest among his supporters and vowed not to step down, saying, “I will fight to the end.”
The impeachment vote requires the support of at least two-thirds of the 349 members of parliament to pass.
If successful, the motion will then move to the Senate for further debate and a final decision.
If impeached, Gachagua would be the first Kenyan deputy president to be removed from office since the 2010 constitution introduced the possibility.
Political analysts suggest that Gachagua’s downfall may be linked to his impatience and ambition.
Dismas Mokua, a political risk analyst, noted that Gachagua’s desire to co-lead with Ruto may have led to his current predicament.
Mokua warned that while widespread protests are unlikely if Gachagua is removed, the potential for orchestrated unrest remains high.
