Deputy president of Kenya face impeachment

Kenya’s parliament is poised to vote on Tuesday regarding the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, amid a political drama that has revealed a divide within the ruling party.

Lawmakers have accused the 59-year-old deputy to President William Ruto of corruption, undermining the government, and engaging in ethnically divisive politics, among other allegations.

At a press conference on Monday, Gachagua dismissed the accusations as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda,” asserting that they are part of a scheme to force him out of office.

A businessman from Kenya’s largest tribe, the Kikuyu, Gachagua previously weathered corruption scandals to become Ruto’s running mate in the tightly contested August 2022 election.

However, in recent weeks, Gachagua has expressed frustration over feeling sidelined by President Ruto and has faced accusations of supporting youth-led anti-government protests that began in June.

Political tensions have escalated since these sometimes deadly demonstrations erupted in response to unpopular tax hikes, revealing growing divisions between Gachagua and Ruto.

Last month, several MPs aligned with Gachagua were summoned by police, facing allegations of funding the protests.

Lawmakers have outlined 11 grounds for impeachment, including allegations that Gachagua amassed assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since the last election, despite an annual salary of only $93,000.

Among the assets listed is Kenya’s famed Treetops Hotel, where Britain’s then-Princess Elizabeth was staying when she ascended to the throne.

Gachagua asserts that his wealth is derived entirely from legitimate business ventures and an inheritance from his late brother.

He has warned that his removal could lead to unrest among his supporters.

The impeachment process was initiated by Kenyan lawmakers on October 1, with 291 members of parliament endorsing the motion—well above the 117 votes needed to proceed.

For the motion to pass on Tuesday, it requires the support of two-thirds of the lower house, the National Assembly, before moving to the Senate.

If impeached, Gachagua would be the first deputy president to be removed in this manner since the provision was introduced in Kenya’s revised 2010 constitution.