Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Impeached in Landmark Senate Decision

Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been impeached, marking the first time in the country’s history that a sitting Deputy President has been removed from office. The Senate upheld the decision after two days of intense deliberations, with at least 53 senators voting to sustain the first charge against him. This historic impeachment, initiated by Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mwengi Mutuse, has not only stunned the political landscape but also cast a spotlight on deep-seated issues of governance, power struggles, and the rule of law in Kenya.

This article explores the events leading to Gachagua’s impeachment, the charges leveled against him, and the wider implications for Kenya’s political future.

The Charges Against Gachagua

The motion to impeach Gachagua was tabled in the National Assembly last week by Mwengi Mutuse, and a staggering 281 MPs voted in favor of the motion, while only 44 stood in his defense. The Deputy President, who served as President William Ruto’s principal assistant, faced a litany of accusations ranging from gross violations of the Constitution to undermining the President and devolution. Mutuse preferred a total of 11 charges that painted a damning picture of Gachagua’s leadership and conduct while in office.

Among the most serious accusations was that Gachagua had undermined the President’s authority, a move that suggested deep cracks within the executive leadership. Furthermore, Gachagua was accused of irregularly acquiring wealth, raising concerns about transparency and ethics in public office. The charges also included public attacks on the judiciary, particularly a judge, and attempts to intimidate the acting CEO of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), both of which struck at the heart of the rule of law and Kenya’s justice system.

One of the most politically sensitive charges was Gachagua’s alleged promotion of ethnic division. In a country where ethnic allegiances often play a significant role in politics, this accusation had the potential to resonate deeply with both the political elite and the public. Additionally, the charge of insubordination to the President pointed to a fundamental breach of the hierarchical relationship within the executive, which ultimately may have contributed to the collapse of his political career.

The Impeachment Proceedings: A Divided House

The proceedings leading up to the impeachment vote were as dramatic as they were consequential. Gachagua’s lawyers walked out in protest after the Senate rejected a request to extend the process to Saturday, giving a sense of how high the stakes were for the embattled Deputy President. The lawyers cited Gachagua’s absence due to illness, with lead counsel Paul Muite informing the Senate that Gachagua had been admitted to Karen Hospital with severe chest pains.

“The sad reality is that the DP has been taken ill and is currently in hospital,” Muite explained, adding that Gachagua’s condition was serious enough to prevent him from attending the proceedings. While Gachagua’s absence and the subsequent walkout of his legal team added an emotional layer to the proceedings, the Senate pressed on and, in the end, voted overwhelmingly to uphold the impeachment.

The Deputy President had been present at the Senate for the earlier part of the hearings, which began on Wednesday. His absence from the afternoon plenary, however, raised concerns and speculation about his condition, and while Muite insisted that his illness was genuine, some political commentators speculated whether this was a strategic move aimed at garnering sympathy or delaying the inevitable.

Muite’s efforts to delay the proceedings by requesting an extension to allow Gachagua to recover were met with skepticism by some senators, who argued that the impeachment process needed to proceed without further delay. This tension underscored the urgency felt within the Senate, where the majority of members appeared eager to conclude the matter.

The Political Fallout: What Happens Next?

The impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua marks a significant turning point in Kenya’s political history. As the first Deputy President to face such a fate, the implications of this decision will reverberate across the political spectrum for years to come.

For President William Ruto, the impeachment represents a potential crisis of confidence within his administration. Gachagua, who was handpicked as Ruto’s running mate, was a key ally and played a crucial role in mobilizing support during the 2022 elections. His removal from office raises questions about Ruto’s ability to maintain cohesion within his government, particularly at a time when Kenya faces numerous challenges, from economic instability to growing public discontent.

The impeachment may also lead to a political reshuffle within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. Ruto will now have to select a new Deputy President, a move that could either strengthen his administration or expose further divisions within the party. Political analysts suggest that the President may seek to appoint a more loyal figure to the position in a bid to consolidate his authority and prevent future insubordination.

On the other hand, for Gachagua, this impeachment marks the potential end of a young but promising political career. Despite his efforts to rally support and defend his record, the weight of the charges against him ultimately proved too heavy to overcome. It remains to be seen whether Gachagua will seek to challenge the impeachment in court or whether he will accept the decision and step away from public life.

Public Reaction: A Nation Divided

The public reaction to Gachagua’s impeachment has been mixed. For some, particularly his critics, the decision is a vindication of Kenya’s democratic institutions and a reminder that no one is above the law. The charges of corruption, ethnic division, and insubordination resonated with many who have grown frustrated with perceived impunity among the political elite. Gachagua’s removal has been seen as a necessary step toward greater accountability in public office.

However, among his supporters, the impeachment has been met with outrage. Gachagua, a popular figure in some quarters, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region, has been framed as a victim of political machinations aimed at weakening his influence and destabilizing the region’s political bloc. His supporters argue that the charges against him were politically motivated and designed to eliminate a potential rival to President Ruto’s authority.

The division among the public reflects broader tensions within Kenya’s political landscape, where regional and ethnic loyalties often play a significant role in shaping opinions. The impeachment has, in many ways, highlighted these divisions and could lead to further political polarization in the months ahead.

Conclusion: A Landmark Moment in Kenya’s Democratic Journey

The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is a landmark moment in Kenya’s political history, signaling a shift in how power and accountability are navigated within the country’s governance structures. The Senate’s decision to uphold the impeachment sends a clear message that even the highest officeholders are not immune to scrutiny and that the rule of law must prevail over political expediency.

As Kenya moves forward, the impeachment will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the country’s political dynamics. Whether it leads to a stronger, more accountable government or further destabilizes the political landscape remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that this historic event will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in Kenya’s democratic journey.