Embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has boldly vowed to fight to the very end amid growing pressure ahead of his impeachment hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Gachagua, speaking at a press briefing on Monday evening from his Karen residence, firmly refuted any speculation regarding his potential resignation and insisted on his innocence against the charges levied against him.
The Deputy President’s defiant stance comes as the nation prepares for a political showdown, with 291 Members of Parliament having signed a motion of impeachment, accusing Gachagua of numerous violations, including corruption and economic crimes. These allegations have cast a shadow over his tenure, but Gachagua remains adamant that he will not be forced out of office, framing the impeachment attempt as a betrayal of the will of the Kenyan people who voted him into power.
A Defiant Stand: Gachagua’s Rebuttal to Resignation Rumours
During the press conference, Gachagua made it unequivocally clear that he has no plans to resign, dismissing any rumours suggesting otherwise. He asserted that his loyalty to President William Ruto and the citizens of Kenya remains steadfast, emphasizing that he was elected by 7.2 million voters who entrusted him with the deputy presidency.
“When I called this press conference today, there were rumours that I want to resign. I am a man elected by the people of Kenya. I have no intention to resign. I have been loyal to the President since I was elected to office,” Gachagua stated.
By positioning himself as a representative of the people’s will, Gachagua framed the impeachment efforts as an attempt to overturn the results of the 2022 election. “Overturning the will of the people is no joke. None of these accusations meet the threshold for impeachment. I will be at Bunge tomorrow at 5 pm,” he declared.
The Allegations: 11 Grounds for Impeachment
The impeachment motion against Gachagua, sponsored by Kibwezi West MP Mutuse Mwengi, lists 11 grounds for his removal from office. These charges include accusations of gross violations of the Constitution, alongside allegations of violating laws such as the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
The motion accuses Gachagua of amassing unexplained wealth, with the MP alleging that the DP has acquired Ksh5.2 billion worth of assets that are inconsistent with his known legitimate income. The MP claims to have provided comprehensive evidence in a 57-page motion that supports these corruption-related accusations.
The impeachment charges also focus on properties allegedly owned by Gachagua and his family, including high-profile assets such as the Olive Garden Hotel, Queens Gate Apartment, and large swathes of land in different parts of the country.
DP Gachagua’s Response: Dismissing the Accusations
Gachagua used the press briefing to categorically deny all the charges laid against him, asserting that the allegations are politically motivated and lack substance. In his view, the motion for his removal is an effort to undermine the office of the Deputy President and reverse the mandate given to him by the people of Kenya.
“I’m innocent on all these charges. My apology to President Ruto yesterday is in no way an admission of these ridiculous allegations meant to overturn the will of the people,” Gachagua said. He stressed that his apology to the President was a gesture of loyalty and accountability, not an admission of guilt.
Regarding the Ksh5.2 billion wealth that he is alleged to have amassed, Gachagua explained that some of the properties mentioned by MP Mutuse actually belonged to his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua, who passed away in 2017. He further clarified that he, along with two other individuals—Mwai Mathenge and Njoroge Rugeru—had been appointed to execute his brother’s will.
“Some of the properties named by MP Mutuse in the impeachment motion, like the Olive Garden Hotel and the Queens Gate Apartment, are among those that are in the will,” he explained. Gachagua also denied the allegation that he owns a 40-acre parcel of land in Kieni, clarifying that the land is 35 acres, and that he has documentation to prove it.
Moreover, he dispelled rumours surrounding the Outspan and Treetops hotels in Nyeri County, explaining that while his children had purchased Outspan, they only leased Treetops Hotel, which is government property and cannot be sold.
“Since Treetops Hotel opened 45 Kenyans are back to work, the Mama mbogas are supplying vegetables there, butcheries are supplying meat, the traditional Mwomboko dancers are back,” he remarked, defending his family’s business ventures as legitimate and beneficial to the local economy. “What crime have the children of the Deputy President done for investing in Kenya and spurring tourism and growth of the economy?”
The Legal Fight Ahead: A Political Showdown in Parliament
As the impeachment hearing looms, Gachagua is preparing for a high-stakes battle in Parliament, where the motion is expected to be hotly debated. The Deputy President has maintained that none of the accusations against him meet the legal threshold for impeachment, calling on MP Mutuse and others who have supported the motion to provide clear evidence of wrongdoing.
“I want proof tomorrow at the National Assembly of what crimes my companies have done,” Gachagua said, emphasizing his demand for concrete evidence during the impeachment proceedings.
The Deputy President also took the opportunity to praise the media for their role in exposing corruption and holding public officials accountable. He lauded the press for acting as the “watchdog on behalf of Kenyans” and encouraged them to continue their critical role in maintaining transparency and democracy.
“I encourage you to continue being the watchdog on behalf of Kenyans, to call out impunity and corruption. Continue with the good work you are doing,” Gachagua said.
Implications for President Ruto’s Government
The impeachment process against Deputy President Gachagua could have significant implications for the stability of President William Ruto’s administration. Gachagua has long been seen as a key ally of the President, and his removal from office would undoubtedly shake the foundations of the ruling government.
Gachagua’s defiance and refusal to step down, despite mounting pressure, reflect a broader political struggle within the government, as factions jockey for power and influence. The outcome of the impeachment process will likely shape the future of Kenyan politics, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
For now, all eyes will be on Parliament as the hearing unfolds. Whether Gachagua will be able to maintain his position and weather the storm of allegations remains to be seen, but the Deputy President has made it clear that he is ready to fight to the bitter end, insisting that the will of the people must prevail.
