Kenya’s parliament is poised to hold a critical vote on Tuesday regarding the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a move that has unveiled significant divisions within the ruling party. Lawmakers have levelled serious accusations against the 59-year-old deputy to President William Ruto, alleging corruption, attempts to undermine the government, and engaging in politically divisive practices, among various other charges.
During a press conference on Monday, Gachagua vehemently denied these claims, labelling them as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda.”
He characterized the impeachment efforts as a calculated attempt to force him out of office. Gachagua, a businessman hailing from Kenya’s largest ethnic group, the Kikuyu, previously navigated through corruption scandals to become Ruto’s deputy following a closely contested election in August 2022.
In recent weeks, Gachagua has voiced concerns about being marginalized by President Ruto, and has faced accusations of backing youth-led anti-government protests that erupted in June.
These protests have heightened political tensions in the country, largely fueled by discontent over unpopular tax increases and revealing deepening rifts between Gachagua and Ruto.
The situation escalated last month when several Members of Parliament allied with Gachagua were summoned by police on suspicions of funding the protests. Although no formal charges have been filed against Gachagua and no judicial inquiry has been initiated, lawmakers have outlined 11 specific grounds for his impeachment. Among these accusations is a claim that he has accumulated assets valued at 5.2 billion shillings (approximately $40 million) since the last election, despite drawing an annual salary of only $93,000.
Notably, one of the assets mentioned is the iconic Treetops Hotel, where Britain’s then-Princess Elizabeth was staying when she ascended to the throne. Gachagua insists that his wealth is derived solely from legitimate business ventures and an inheritance from his deceased brother. He has cautioned that his potential removal from office could provoke unrest among his supporters.
The impeachment process commenced on October 1, with 291 members of parliament expressing support for the motion—far exceeding the minimum requirement of 117 votes. For the motion to succeed, it needs the backing of two-thirds of the National Assembly, Kenya’s lower house, during the vote on Tuesday. Should the motion pass, it will proceed to the Senate, the upper house.
If Gachagua is ultimately impeached, he would make history as the first deputy president to be removed from office in this manner since the provision was introduced in Kenya’s revised constitution in 2010.
