Kenya’s Deputy President Impeached: Amid Corruption Allegations and Political Tensions

In a significant and historic move, Kenya’s National Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, citing accusations of corruption, ethnic incitement, and undermining the government. The motion, which passed with 281 votes in favour and 44 against, marks the first time a Kenyan deputy president has faced such a fate. The Senate will now deliberate on the charges, which could result in his official removal if upheld.

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Gachagua’s impeachment has added a dramatic chapter to the nation’s unfolding political landscape. His troubles have been brewing for months following a public fallout with President William Ruto, who he helped secure victory in the closely contested 2022 election. A rift has since grown between the two leaders, with Gachagua expressing frustrations about being sidelined in the administration.

The accusations against Gachagua are extensive, ranging from the accumulation of unexplained wealth worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings ($40 million) to fostering ethnic divisions. He maintains that the properties in question are linked to his late brother’s estate and has vigorously denied all allegations. As political tensions rise, his supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated, aiming to weaken his influence in Mount Kenya, a region critical to national politics.

The impeachment motion follows a wave of unrest and dissatisfaction in the country. Widespread protests against steep tax hikes in mid-2024 resulted in over 50 deaths, reflecting the frustrations of many Kenyans struggling with a rising cost of living. The demonstrations were a stark reminder of the deep economic and social challenges facing the country. In response, President Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, including opposition figures in an attempt to ease tensions. This reshaping of alliances seems to have sidelined Gachagua, raising questions about the trajectory of the Ruto-Gachagua partnership.

For many, Gachagua’s impeachment brings back memories of Kenya’s difficult journey toward national unity. As a prominent Kikuyu leader, his partnership with Ruto, who belongs to the Kalenjin community, was seen as a bridge between two communities with a history of tensions, especially after the 2007 election-related violence that left 1,200 dead. Now, the political fallout has reignited concerns about ethnic divisions in a country still healing from past wounds.

The charges presented in the impeachment motion outline 11 grounds for Gachagua’s removal, including allegations of corruption, misuse of office, and promoting ethnic polarisation. Mwengi Mutuse, the Member of Parliament who introduced the motion, denounced Gachagua’s leadership as detrimental to the nation’s unity. During the heated parliamentary debate, Mutuse led chants of “Rigathi must go,” emphasising the deputy president’s alleged threats to the republic’s cohesion.

Despite the storm surrounding him, Gachagua remains defiant, vowing to fight the allegations “to the end.” In a televised address on the eve of the impeachment vote, he called the motion “shameful and sensational,” insisting he had done nothing wrong. His appeal to President Ruto and Parliament for forgiveness was not an admission of guilt but a call for reconciliation amidst the political storm.

The coming days will be critical as the Senate prepares to examine the impeachment case. If two-thirds of the Senate votes to support the National Assembly’s decision, Gachagua will be removed from office. The decision could set a precedent for Kenya’s democratic institutions, underscoring the importance of accountability at the highest levels of government.

Yet, beyond the political drama, the impeachment has highlighted broader concerns facing the nation. The frustration of ordinary Kenyans, many of whom struggle to make ends meet amid economic hardships, has been overshadowed by elite power struggles. The government must now navigate these turbulent times with a renewed focus on addressing the everyday challenges faced by its citizens.

The unfolding events serve as a reminder that Kenya’s path to stability requires leadership committed to unity, transparency, and the well-being of all its people. As the nation watches the Senate’s next move, the hope remains that this moment will strengthen, rather than undermine, the fabric of the republic, fostering a future where justice and equity prevail.

Kenya now stands at a crossroads, where the choices made by its leaders will shape not just the political future of Rigathi Gachagua but the country’s democratic journey and national cohesion. As this chapter unfolds, the voices and aspirations of ordinary Kenyans must remain at the forefront, guiding the nation toward a just and united path forward.