Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come forward with bold allegations, claiming that his boss, President William Ruto, has given the green light to a motion seeking his impeachment. The embattled deputy president, who has been the subject of speculation regarding his political future, broke his silence during a fiery address from his Karen residence, where he aired grievances against the president and others allegedly working to oust him. This unfolding political drama has sent ripples through the country’s political landscape, stirring questions about the stability of the highest office and the implications of an impeachment trial for Kenya’s leadership.
Gachagua’s Allegations: A Rift at the Top
During his address on Monday, Gachagua went “bare knuckle” against President Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating the impeachment bid. He argued that the motion could not have progressed to the National Assembly without Ruto’s implicit or explicit endorsement. While Gachagua refrained from providing exhaustive details, he indicated that he would make his full case when he appears before the House, asserting that the president’s actions were motivated by their increasingly strained relationship.
The deputy president also expressed disappointment in the manner in which the impeachment motion had been handled, claiming that it was based on fabrications designed to remove him from office unjustly. “I will get justice and carry out my duties as DP. Anybody sending me messages to resign is a joker. I have done nothing wrong to Kenyans,” Gachagua boldly declared. His defiance signals a determined fight for survival in the face of mounting political pressure.
The Genesis of the Impeachment Motion
The motion for Gachagua’s impeachment was introduced by Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mwengi Mutuse, who accused the deputy president of misconduct and dereliction of duty. Gachagua, however, dismissed the 11 counts leveled against him as “outrageous and baseless propaganda” intended to tarnish his name and remove him from office. He vowed to fight the charges, describing the process as the most “shameful act in House history” due to what he believes are fabricated claims.
“How dare you suggest I resign without public participation?” Gachagua questioned, referencing the over 7.2 million Kenyans who voted him into office alongside President Ruto. According to Gachagua, his election as deputy president should not be so easily overturned, and he would not bow to pressure to resign. He stated that only the people of Kenya—not politicians—have the mandate to determine his future in office.
The motion gained significant traction in the National Assembly, receiving support from 291 lawmakers, signaling the seriousness of the charges and the bipartisan nature of the call for Gachagua’s removal. The motion was opened to public participation across Kenya’s 47 counties last Friday, further solidifying the impeachment bid as a national issue rather than a partisan matter confined to Nairobi’s political circles.
A Presidency Under Siege?
Gachagua’s allegations have put the spotlight squarely on President William Ruto, who has maintained a conspicuous silence since the motion was tabled in Parliament on October 1. Ruto’s refusal to comment on the matter has raised eyebrows, especially given the severity of the charges and the potential fallout for the country’s leadership. Gachagua’s accusations of Ruto’s complicity in the impeachment motion suggest that all is not well within the corridors of power.
Speculation has been rife about a growing rift between Ruto and Gachagua, with political analysts suggesting that their relationship has soured since they ascended to power. While their partnership was solid during the campaign, cracks reportedly began to appear once they were in office. The nature of the disagreements remains unclear, though insiders have hinted at policy differences and personality clashes.
If Gachagua’s allegations are accurate, it could signal a deepening of the crisis at the top echelons of government, with potentially destabilizing effects for Kenya’s governance. A successful impeachment could trigger political realignments, with Ruto needing to appoint a new deputy president—a process that could prove fraught with political challenges given the delicate balancing act of maintaining ethnic and regional alliances in Kenya’s political landscape.
The Impeachment Process and Public Sentiment
The impeachment motion has ignited debates across Kenya, with citizens divided on whether Gachagua should remain in office. While some believe the charges against him warrant serious consideration, others view the impeachment bid as politically motivated, designed to remove a key figure in Kenya’s political establishment who has the support of millions of voters.
Public participation in the impeachment process will play a critical role in determining its outcome. The fact that the motion has moved to this stage suggests that lawmakers believe there is enough public interest to justify proceeding with the case. However, the ultimate decision rests with Parliament, which will have to weigh the evidence presented against Gachagua and determine whether he has indeed breached his duties as deputy president.
What Happens Next?
Gachagua’s fate now hangs in the balance as he prepares to defend himself before the National Assembly. The stakes are incredibly high, as a successful impeachment could mark the end of his political career and reshape Kenya’s leadership landscape. Gachagua has vowed to fight until the end, insisting that he has done nothing wrong and that the charges are part of a concerted effort to discredit him.
For President Ruto, the situation is equally perilous. Should Gachagua be removed from office, it could lead to significant political repercussions for Ruto, who would be seen as having abandoned his deputy. Ruto’s silence on the matter thus far suggests that he may be trying to distance himself from the unfolding drama, but as Gachagua’s accusations continue to gain traction, he may find himself forced to take a stand.
The Broader Implications for Kenya’s Politics
Beyond the immediate power struggle between Ruto and Gachagua, the impeachment saga speaks to broader challenges in Kenya’s political system. The incident underscores the fragility of political alliances and the ease with which even the highest-ranking officials can become targets of impeachment. It also raises concerns about the politicization of the impeachment process and whether it is being used as a tool to settle political scores rather than address genuine misconduct.
For Kenyans, the next few days and weeks will be critical as the impeachment motion moves forward. Regardless of the outcome, the process will likely have a lasting impact on the country’s political dynamics and could set a precedent for how future leadership disputes are handled.
As the clock ticks toward the impeachment hearing, all eyes are on Gachagua and President Ruto, waiting to see whether the deputy president’s claims will hold up and whether Kenya’s political leadership will weather yet another storm.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Kenyan Politics
Rigathi Gachagua’s battle for political survival has thrust Kenya into a moment of uncertainty, with the potential to alter the country’s political course. His defiant stance, coupled with accusations against President Ruto, has created an unprecedented situation, leaving Kenyans to wonder about the future of the presidency and the balance of power within the government. The next chapter in this unfolding drama will not only determine Gachagua’s future but could reshape the very fabric of Kenyan politics for years to come.
