The Senate is set to vote Thursday on whether to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history. This dramatic event, described as an “unprecedented political saga,” follows a historic vote in the National Assembly, which saw Gachagua impeached on 11 charges. These charges include allegations of corruption, insubordination, undermining the government, and fostering ethnically divisive politics.
The outcome of the Senate trial will have far-reaching implications for the country, both politically and constitutionally. If the Senate votes to remove Gachagua from office, it would be the first time in Kenyan history that a deputy president has been ousted through impeachment since the introduction of the revised 2010 Constitution. The trial, which began Wednesday, has been marked by intense legal battles, with Gachagua’s legal team making multiple court bids to halt the process. However, those efforts have been unsuccessful, and Gachagua is expected to testify in his defense on Thursday.
The Charges Against Gachagua
The charges against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are serious and wide-ranging, reflecting the depth of the political crisis facing the country. Among the 11 charges levied against him, accusations of corruption take center stage. Gachagua is alleged to have misused his position to enrich himself, accusations that date back to his time as a powerful businessman before he entered the political arena. Although no criminal proceedings have been initiated against him, the political and ethical dimensions of the charges have dominated headlines.
In addition to corruption, Gachagua faces charges of insubordination and undermining the government. These allegations have been bolstered by claims that he has publicly opposed several of President William Ruto’s key policies, creating a rift at the highest levels of government. The charge of practicing ethnically divisive politics has added fuel to an already volatile situation, particularly in a country like Kenya, where ethnic divisions have historically played a critical role in shaping political alignments and conflicts.
A Trial of Political Divisions
The trial comes at a time when political tensions in Kenya are running high. In June 2024, youth-led anti-government protests erupted in response to unpopular tax hikes. These protests, which turned deadly in some instances, laid bare the divisions within the government, with Gachagua accused of supporting the demonstrators. Critics argue that his involvement in the protests undermined the administration’s authority, contributing to the charges of insubordination and destabilizing the government.
While Gachagua has denied these accusations, his critics assert that his actions were an attempt to galvanize opposition to President Ruto’s government, particularly within the Kikuyu community, Kenya’s largest ethnic group, to which Gachagua belongs. The strained relationship between Gachagua and Ruto has become increasingly visible in recent months, with Gachagua complaining publicly about being sidelined by the president. These complaints have only further stoked the fires of division, leading to his current predicament.
Gachagua’s Response and Defense
Throughout the impeachment process, Gachagua has maintained his innocence, dismissing the charges against him as politically motivated. At a media briefing ahead of the National Assembly vote, he vehemently rejected what he termed “nonsensical allegations.” According to Gachagua, the efforts to remove him from office disregard the will of the Kenyan people, who elected him as Ruto’s running mate in the closely fought 2022 election.
“I am now seen as a spent cartridge,” Gachagua lamented, referring to his perception that he has been politically abandoned by Ruto and his allies. “This is what we call political deceit, conmanship, and betrayal.”
His lawyers have echoed these sentiments, arguing that the impeachment process has been fast-tracked and unfair. They have filed multiple legal challenges in an attempt to halt the proceedings, but the courts have repeatedly ruled against them. Most recently, the High Court on Wednesday cleared the way for the Senate trial to proceed, rejecting Gachagua’s request for an injunction.
Despite the legal setbacks, Gachagua has called for peace and calm among his supporters. In a message to his central Kenya stronghold, he urged them to refrain from violence, regardless of the outcome of the impeachment. “Let’s preach and maintain peace irrespective of the outcome. Kenya is our country,” he told churchgoers on Sunday.
Possible Successors and Political Maneuvering
Should Gachagua be removed from office, attention will quickly turn to the question of who will succeed him. The Kenyan media has already begun speculating on possible replacements, with several high-profile names emerging. Among them are Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, Foreign Minister and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Anne Waiguru, the governor of Kirinyaga County.
Each of these potential successors brings a different set of political skills and allegiances to the table. Kindiki, known for his expertise in law and governance, has been a key figure in the Ruto administration. Musalia Mudavadi, a seasoned politician with experience in various high-level government positions, could also be a unifying figure. Meanwhile, Anne Waiguru, a prominent figure in central Kenya politics, has strong ties to the Kikuyu community, making her a strategic choice if the administration seeks to shore up support in the region.
The looming question, however, is whether Gachagua’s removal will deepen the divisions within Ruto’s government or provide an opportunity for healing and realignment. If the Senate votes to remove Gachagua, the ruling party’s unity could be tested, especially given the support Gachagua enjoys among certain factions within the government.
The Path Forward: Political and Legal Battles
Even if Gachagua is impeached, his political career may not be over. He has already signaled his intention to challenge the impeachment in court, where he could seek to overturn the Senate’s decision. Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which introduced impeachment procedures, allows public officials to contest the process in the courts, providing Gachagua with a potential path to reclaim his position.
However, the road to legal vindication could be long and fraught with challenges. Gachagua’s political fate will ultimately depend not only on the outcome of the Senate vote but also on his ability to marshal public and legal support in the aftermath. His claims of political betrayal and ethnic marginalization could resonate with certain segments of the electorate, especially in central Kenya, where he remains a significant figure.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Kenya
The Senate’s impending vote on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua marks a defining moment in Kenya’s political history. It is a test not only of Gachagua’s political survival but also of the strength and resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions. The trial underscores the delicate balance of power within the country’s political system, where personal rivalries, ethnic loyalties, and legal frameworks intersect in complex ways.
As the nation watches the proceedings unfold, the implications for Kenya’s future remain uncertain. If Gachagua is removed from office, it could set a new precedent for how power struggles are resolved in Kenya. On the other hand, if he survives, it may signal a new phase of political realignment within the ruling administration. Either way, the outcome of this impeachment saga will reverberate across the country for years to come.
