Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has announced his intention to sponsor an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Barasa, a staunch ally of President William Ruto, claims to have secured the necessary signatures from lawmakers across the political divide to push the motion forward. His efforts have resulted in an impressive 242 signatures, surpassing the 177 MPs needed for the motion to be approved by Speaker Moses Wetangula.
Barasa’s announcement, made in a phone interview, has already sparked significant attention and controversy, especially given the fact that the number of MPs backing the motion appears to come from both sides of the aisle. This unprecedented bipartisan support, if true, indicates a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape. As Barasa prepares to submit the signatures to the Speaker’s office, the nation is now awaiting the next steps in what promises to be a dramatic political battle.
In this article, we explore the context, reasons, and potential outcomes of this motion, as well as what it means for Kenya’s political future.
A Deepening Political Rift
Barasa’s move to sponsor the impeachment motion marks a critical moment in Kenya’s political climate. As an outspoken ally of President Ruto, Barasa’s decision to target Gachagua is unexpected. However, it is perhaps indicative of growing dissatisfaction and internal discord within the ruling party. The decision to impeach Gachagua comes at a time when the Deputy President has faced increasing criticism over his conduct, including allegations of gross violations of the Constitution, misconduct, and suspicion of criminal activities.
The legal framework guiding the impeachment of a Deputy President in Kenya is clearly outlined in Article 150 of the Constitution. According to this provision, a Deputy President can be removed from office for any of the following reasons: gross violation of the Constitution or any other law, commission of a crime under national or international law, or gross misconduct. Barasa has not publicly outlined which of these accusations the motion will focus on, but the general understanding is that the move is largely driven by claims of misconduct and constitutional violations.
As the political arena grows increasingly charged, Barasa has hinted that more MPs are willing to support the impeachment, with six additional lawmakers waiting to sign the motion. His efforts signal not just dissatisfaction with Gachagua’s performance but also potentially broader divisions within the political landscape.
Rigathi Gachagua: A Controversial Figure
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has long been a polarizing figure in Kenyan politics. Since assuming office in 2022, Gachagua’s leadership style has been both lauded and criticized. He is known for his tough talk and strong stance on various issues, which has earned him a loyal following, particularly in Kenya’s Mount Kenya region. However, his leadership has also attracted its fair share of controversy, particularly concerning his statements and handling of governance matters.
Critics have accused Gachagua of overstepping his bounds and engaging in behavior unbecoming of a Deputy President. Allegations of corruption and constitutional violations have surfaced, adding fuel to the fire for those calling for his impeachment. His relationship with key political figures, including President Ruto, has also come under scrutiny, with rumors of a growing rift between the two.
Barasa’s decision to pursue impeachment underscores the extent of this political tension. Though initially seen as a close ally of both Gachagua and Ruto, Barasa’s sudden shift suggests that deeper issues may be at play within the ruling coalition. Gachagua’s opponents argue that his continued presence in office poses a risk to the integrity of the government, while his supporters claim that the impeachment motion is politically motivated and aimed at undermining his influence.
The Role of the Western Caucus
In a significant development, MPs from the western caucus, a powerful and influential bloc in Kenya’s National Assembly, convened a Kamukunji—a parliamentary meeting without formal rules—to discuss the political direction regarding Gachagua’s impeachment. During this meeting, they reached a consensus that Gachagua should be removed from office. This unity of purpose among lawmakers from the western region indicates that Barasa’s motion may enjoy broader regional support beyond his own political base.
The western caucus has traditionally played a pivotal role in shaping political discourse in Kenya. Their decision to throw their weight behind the impeachment motion suggests that Gachagua’s hold on power may be weakening, and his influence may not be as solid as previously thought. While details of the Kamukunji meeting remain sparse, insiders have revealed that the discussion centered on Gachagua’s leadership and his perceived inability to unite the country.
An anonymous MP who attended the meeting expressed confidence in the motion’s success, remarking, “That decision is sealed, and now we await the impeachment motion to be tabled before the House next week.” This sentiment reflects the growing sense of inevitability surrounding the impeachment debate, with many lawmakers appearing ready to see Gachagua’s removal from office.
Legal and Constitutional Ramifications
The impeachment of a Deputy President is not a matter to be taken lightly. Should the motion succeed, it would mark only the second time in Kenya’s history that a sitting Deputy President faces impeachment proceedings. The Constitution provides a clear process for impeachment, starting with the approval of the motion by the Speaker of the National Assembly, followed by debate and voting by MPs.
For Gachagua to be successfully impeached, the motion must pass with a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, which would then send the matter to the Senate for further consideration. If the Senate also approves the motion, Gachagua would be formally removed from office.
Barasa’s claim of having 242 signatures, well above the required 177, suggests that he has garnered significant support within the National Assembly. However, the political dynamics at play mean that the situation remains fluid, and the outcome is far from guaranteed. The impeachment process is inherently political, and negotiations behind the scenes could shift the balance of power at any moment.
In addition to the political ramifications, Gachagua’s potential impeachment raises legal questions about his future role in Kenyan politics. If removed from office, he could face further investigations into allegations of misconduct and constitutional violations, which could tarnish his legacy and future prospects.
Political Implications for President Ruto
Barasa’s impeachment motion against Gachagua also puts President Ruto in a delicate position. As the leader of the ruling coalition, Ruto must navigate the growing divide within his government carefully. A successful impeachment could create a leadership vacuum and disrupt the functioning of his administration, making it harder for Ruto to advance his policy agenda.
At the same time, Ruto must balance the interests of his political base, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where Gachagua enjoys significant support. If the impeachment motion appears to be an internal coup, it could alienate key constituencies and weaken Ruto’s hold on power.
Observers have noted that Ruto has remained relatively silent on the matter, which could indicate his desire to distance himself from the brewing political storm. However, as the impeachment process unfolds, it is likely that Ruto will be forced to take a more public stance on Gachagua’s future.
Next Steps: What to Expect
As Barasa prepares to submit the signatures to Speaker Wetangula, all eyes will be on the National Assembly to see how the impeachment process unfolds. If the Speaker approves the motion, it could be scheduled for debate as early as Tuesday, setting the stage for a heated political showdown.
In the coming days, the focus will likely shift to the reaction of key political figures, including President Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga, and members of the Mount Kenya political bloc. Their responses to the motion will shape the direction of the debate and potentially influence its outcome.
For now, Kenya remains on edge as the political drama surrounding Deputy President Gachagua’s impeachment intensifies. The coming weeks will determine not only Gachagua’s future but also the broader trajectory of Kenyan politics.
In conclusion, Didmus Barasa’s move to sponsor an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua represents a significant development in Kenya’s political landscape. With 242 MPs backing the motion, the stage is set for a high-stakes political battle that could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s leadership and governance.
