Kirinyaga County, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made a passionate plea to Mt Kenya Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the passage of the Coffee Bill, 2023. His call for swift legislative action was a reflection of his deep connection to the coffee sector reforms he once championed and a commentary on the political urgency that led to his historic impeachment. Gachagua urged MPs to pass the bill with the same speed that the National Assembly and Senate displayed in ousting him from office, which had marked a significant moment in Kenya’s political landscape.
Historical Impeachment: An Unprecedented Move in Kenyan Politics
Gachagua’s impeachment marked a first in Kenya’s history. Never before had a Deputy President been removed from office through parliamentary impeachment proceedings. The process culminated in the Senate’s vote on October 17, where 67 lawmakers found him guilty on five out of eleven charges, which included accusations of gross misconduct, irregular acquisition of wealth, undermining the president, and promoting ethnic divisions. The event was unprecedented not only for its outcome but also for the swiftness with which it was executed, reinforcing Gachagua’s current appeal to legislators.
The accusations against Gachagua were deeply personal and politically charged. His removal from office symbolized a rift between him and the administration he once served under, led by President William Ruto. Gachagua’s critics argued that his conduct was unbecoming of a leader of his stature, while his supporters maintained that he was a victim of political targeting. The five charges that ultimately led to his removal represented what many saw as the culmination of a long-running struggle within Kenya’s political elite.
Gachagua’s Plea: A Push for Coffee Sector Reform
In his address to Mt Kenya MPs, Gachagua reminisced about his time as Deputy President, during which he prioritized coffee sector reforms in his native Mt Kenya region. His experience as a vocal advocate for coffee farmers’ welfare remains central to his public image, as coffee farming holds immense socio-economic value in the region. Gachagua argued that, for too long, coffee farmers have faced significant challenges, including exploitative practices and inadequate government support. His vision for coffee sector reform was a way to address these issues and bring lasting prosperity to his constituents.
During his address, Gachagua underscored that the Coffee Bill, 2023, should be passed as soon as possible to protect the livelihoods of coffee farmers and stabilize the coffee economy. “Let it pass, be gazetted at night so early in the morning the President can assent it,” he urged, adding a sense of immediacy and perhaps alluding to the political will required to bring about impactful change.
Comparing Legislative Efficiency: Impeachment vs. Reform
The former Deputy President’s reference to the “same speed and efficiency” used to impeach him was pointed, reflecting a frustration with the pace of other legislative processes. The impeachment process was swift; within weeks, both the National Assembly and Senate had made historic decisions, effectively ending Gachagua’s political career as Deputy President. This contrast highlighted a disparity between the rapid political maneuvering required to remove him from office and the slower pace often observed in passing legislation that affects citizens directly.
Gachagua’s message appeared to be a broader criticism of how certain agendas are prioritized in Kenya’s political sphere. By calling for the same urgency in passing the Coffee Bill, he seemed to question why pressing socio-economic reforms don’t receive the same political commitment as power struggles do. For coffee farmers, this bill promises protections and benefits that could significantly impact their lives, including fairer pricing structures, increased government support, and enhanced quality control in the coffee supply chain. The former Deputy President’s words served as a reminder that legislative efficiency should extend beyond political conflicts and address the needs of ordinary citizens.
Impeachment Proceedings and Gachagua’s Absence Due to Illness
Adding to the tension surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment was the unfortunate timing of his health crisis. He had reportedly been scheduled to testify on his own behalf, but severe chest pains landed him in the hospital, rendering him unable to present his case to the Senate. His legal team argued that Gachagua was a victim of political targeting, but their case was ultimately unsuccessful. As the Senate reconvened, it became clear that the political tide was against him. The charges of gross misconduct, wealth irregularities, and ethnic divisiveness resonated with lawmakers who ultimately voted for his removal.
The proceedings were halted temporarily due to Gachagua’s hospitalization, but resumed and concluded with a late-night announcement by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, which confirmed the decision to impeach him. This midnight decision contrasted sharply with Gachagua’s current appeal for the Coffee Bill to “be gazetted at night,” underscoring his frustration with the speed of his own impeachment compared to the perceived sluggishness in addressing substantive policy issues.
Legacy of the Coffee Reforms and Future Political Implications
For Gachagua, the Coffee Bill, 2023, represents a legacy issue, one that transcends his personal political setbacks. His longstanding commitment to coffee sector reforms has resonated with many in the Mt Kenya region, who view him as an advocate for their economic wellbeing. The coffee industry, while crucial to the region’s economy, has been plagued by challenges such as low farmer earnings, outdated regulations, and an over-reliance on middlemen who often exploit farmers. Gachagua’s reforms sought to address these issues, introducing mechanisms for transparency and more favorable terms for farmers.
The political impact of Gachagua’s ousting remains to be seen, especially with his call to Mt Kenya MPs to fulfill his vision for the coffee sector. His statement could rally his supporters, particularly among the coffee farming community, who may view his impeachment as a betrayal of their interests. This demographic, a significant voting bloc in Mt Kenya, may push legislators to prioritize the Coffee Bill, both as a way to honor Gachagua’s contributions and as a pragmatic step toward improving their livelihoods.
The Broader Political Landscape: Implications for President Ruto’s Administration
The passage of the Coffee Bill could be a win for President Ruto’s administration as well, especially if it helps stabilize the coffee industry. By assenting to the bill, Ruto would demonstrate his commitment to Mt Kenya’s economic interests, bolstering his support in the region. Gachagua’s call for urgency also places a spotlight on the current administration, challenging them to prioritize reforms that have a direct impact on the lives of Kenyan citizens.
Moreover, the handling of the Coffee Bill may shape public perceptions of the administration’s legislative priorities. Gachagua’s impeachment underscored the power of political will, as Parliament and Senate swiftly removed a sitting Deputy President. A comparable urgency for economic reforms could send a positive message to Kenyans about the government’s commitment to meaningful change.
Conclusion: A Call for Balance in Legislative Priorities
As Gachagua’s story unfolds, it underscores the need for a balanced approach in Kenya’s legislative agenda one that addresses both political accountability and socio-economic reform. His call to Mt Kenya MPs for swift action on the Coffee Bill, 2023, highlights a critical issue in Kenya’s politics: the need for lawmakers to prioritize reforms that directly benefit the people they represent.
For coffee farmers, the passage of this bill could signify hope and long-awaited change. For Kenya’s political class, it represents a chance to align their actions with the aspirations of their constituents. And for Gachagua, it is an opportunity to cement a legacy rooted in advocacy for Kenya’s coffee industry a legacy that transcends his tenure and impeachment, emphasizing the lasting impact of reforms over politics.
As Kenya watches the fate of the Coffee Bill, the question remains: will the same urgency that removed a Deputy President from office be applied to passing legislation that could empower thousands of Kenyan coffee farmers?
