By Abigail Philip David
Kenya’s parliament was scheduled to vote on Tuesday on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a move that has revealed deep divisions within the ruling party. Gachagua, 59, faces multiple accusations including corruption, undermining the government, and promoting ethnically divisive politics.
At a press conference on Monday, Gachagua dismissed the allegations as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda,” claiming the charges were part of a plot to remove him from office. Gachagua, a businessman from Kenya’s largest ethnic group, the Kikuyu, had survived past corruption scandals to become President William Ruto’s running mate in the fiercely contested August 2022 election.
However, recent tensions have emerged between Gachagua and President Ruto. Gachagua has complained of being sidelined by Ruto and has been accused of backing anti-government protests that erupted in June, driven by public discontent over tax increases. These protests, at times violent, have fueled political discord between the two leaders.
In addition, several MPs loyal to Gachagua were summoned by police last month, accused of financing the demonstrations. Despite these accusations, no formal charges have been brought against Gachagua, and no judicial inquiry has been initiated.
Lawmakers have listed 11 grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment, chief among them claims that he accumulated assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since the last election, far exceeding his annual salary of $93,000. Among the assets listed is Kenya’s famous Treetops Hotel, where Princess Elizabeth stayed when she became queen. Gachagua maintains that his wealth comes from legitimate business ventures and an inheritance from his late brother.
Gachagua warned that his impeachment would provoke unrest among his supporters.
The impeachment process began on October 1, with 291 members of parliament supporting the motion, surpassing the required 117 votes. For the motion to pass in the National Assembly on Tuesday, it needs the backing of two-thirds of the 349 members. If successful, the case would then move to the Senate for further deliberation.
If impeached, Gachagua would become the first deputy president in Kenya to be removed from office under the provisions of the 2010 constitution.
