Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced an impeachment vote in the National Assembly, marking one of the most significant political challenges to the country’s leadership since its adoption of the 2010 Constitution. On Tuesday evening, the Assembly held a division vote where 281 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of impeaching the Deputy President, while 44 voted against the motion, and one legislator abstained. The unprecedented event has cast a spotlight on the deep divisions within the government and set the stage for intense political drama as the motion moves to the Senate for further consideration.
The Impeachment Motion: Charges and Allegations
The Special Motion to impeach Deputy President Gachagua was introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse and listed 11 charges against him. The accusations were severe, ranging from gross violations of the Constitution to undermining the presidency and key state institutions. The charges included:
- Gross Violation of the Constitution: Gachagua was accused of violating various constitutional provisions, including those relating to the conduct of public officers and the role of the Deputy President.
- Undermining the President and Cabinet: Gachagua allegedly acted in ways that undermined the authority of President William Ruto and the Cabinet, causing discord within the highest levels of government.
- Undermining Devolution: As the country continues to grapple with devolution, Gachagua was accused of actions that undermined the country’s devolved governance structure, which is a cornerstone of Kenya’s political system.
- Compromising Judicial Independence: The motion outlined that Gachagua had publicly attacked a sitting judge, thereby interfering with the independence of the Judiciary.
- Incitement and Economic Crimes: One of the more inflammatory accusations was that the Deputy President had made inciteful statements aimed at dividing Kenyans and had been involved in economic crimes.
- Spreading False, Malicious, and Divisive Remarks: Gachagua’s public statements were also highlighted as being false, divisive, and meant to incite various groups within Kenya.
- Public Insubordination: A recurring theme in the motion was the accusation that Gachagua had continuously defied and publicly undermined President Ruto.
The impeachment motion has created a political storm, with many questioning the timing and motivation behind the move, as well as its implications for Kenya’s political future.
Deputy President Gachagua’s Defense: “Outrageous and Baseless Propaganda”
Prior to the vote, Deputy President Gachagua took the rare step of personally appearing before the National Assembly to defend himself. For about two hours, he offered a spirited defense, dismissing the charges as “outrageous and baseless propaganda” that he argued was politically motivated. Gachagua contended that the impeachment proceedings were not about constitutional violations or misconduct, but were instead part of a broader scheme to malign his reputation and oust him from office.
Gachagua did not mince words, describing the impeachment process as “the most shameful act in the history of the House.” According to him, the legislators were being misled into voting on fabrications, and the charges against him lacked any substantial basis. He argued that the accusations of undermining the President and Cabinet were exaggerated, claiming that his working relationship with President Ruto remained intact, despite political differences. Moreover, Gachagua warned that the impeachment attempt was a direct attack on the will of the people who had democratically elected him into office, emphasizing that his removal would set a dangerous precedent for Kenya’s young democracy.
Political Divisions and the Larger Implications
The impeachment vote underscores the deep political divisions currently plaguing the Kenyan government. In the 2022 general elections, Gachagua campaigned alongside President Ruto under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, promising to restore economic stability and foster national unity. However, internal disagreements and public spats between Gachagua and some senior government officials have led to speculation that all is not well within the ruling coalition.
At the heart of these divisions is Gachagua’s populist rhetoric, which some within the government see as inciteful and dangerous. His comments on sensitive matters, such as devolution and his public criticisms of various institutions, including the Judiciary, have drawn widespread criticism. Critics argue that the Deputy President’s style of politics is incompatible with the delicate balancing act required to govern a country as ethnically diverse and politically fragmented as Kenya.
The impeachment also brings into question the future of President Ruto’s administration. Although Ruto has yet to publicly comment on the impeachment vote, political analysts believe that the motion represents a proxy battle between various factions within his government. Some argue that Gachagua’s removal could weaken the President, as it would signal instability within the executive. Others, however, believe that removing Gachagua could allow Ruto to consolidate his leadership and address dissenting voices more effectively.
The Road to the Senate: What Happens Next?
Now that the National Assembly has passed the impeachment motion, the next step is for the matter to be taken up by the Senate. According to the Constitution, the Senate will consider the charges leveled against the Deputy President and determine whether they merit his removal from office. For the impeachment to succeed, at least two-thirds of the Senators must vote in favor of the motion. Notably, nominated members of the Senate are not allowed to vote in such matters.
The Senate’s role in this process is crucial. While the National Assembly’s vote demonstrates that a majority of MPs believe Gachagua should be impeached, the Senate’s decision will ultimately determine his fate. In recent history, the Senate has been a moderating force in impeachment cases, often acquitting governors and other officials who were impeached by county assemblies or the National Assembly. Whether this trend will continue in Gachagua’s case remains to be seen.
Public Reactions and the Broader National Context
Public reactions to the impeachment have been mixed, reflecting the polarized nature of Kenyan politics. Supporters of the impeachment argue that Gachagua’s actions warranted removal, particularly given the gravity of the charges related to constitutional violations and incitement. They view the impeachment as a necessary step toward restoring accountability in government.
However, Gachagua’s supporters believe that the impeachment is politically motivated and aimed at eliminating a key figure in Kenya’s power structure. Many of Gachagua’s backers see him as a champion of the common mwananchi (ordinary citizen) and argue that the motion is part of a larger effort to silence political dissent.
The impeachment also comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with significant economic challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and growing public debt. For many ordinary Kenyans, the political drama unfolding in Parliament may seem like a distraction from the more pressing issues facing the country.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Kenyan Politics
The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is a defining moment in Kenya’s political landscape. Whether or not the Senate upholds the National Assembly’s decision, the process has already exposed deep divisions within the government and the ruling coalition. As the nation waits for the Senate’s verdict, the outcome of this political battle will have lasting implications for Kenya’s governance, its democratic institutions, and the country’s future trajectory.
Should Gachagua be removed from office, it could usher in a new phase of political realignment within the ruling party. Conversely, if he survives the impeachment, Gachagua could emerge stronger, but the internal divisions within the government will likely persist. Either way, the next few weeks will be critical in determining the future of Kenya’s leadership and its political direction.
