Political Crisis Deepens: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Faces Impeachment Amid Rising Tensions with President Ruto
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing a critical political crisis as efforts to remove him intensify, highlighting the growing discord between him and President William Ruto.
What began as minor speculation last month has now escalated into serious deliberations, with reports suggesting that a group of MPs and a Cabinet Secretary nominee are planning Gachagua’s impeachment.
The conflict between Ruto and Gachagua has intensified following the introduction of a new Cabinet, with accusations of severe misconduct and breaches of constitutional duties.
It is reported that a pivotal meeting on Saturday night, involving 21 MPs and a Cabinet Secretary nominee, decided to proceed with an impeachment motion against Gachagua.
The participants, mainly from the Mt Kenya region, accused Gachagua of allegedly undermining President Ruto and fostering a divisive ethnic agenda.
The Cabinet Secretary nominee reportedly expressed that the President was exasperated with his deputy’s conduct, which included unreasonable demands for government positions benefiting his community.
“Deputy President Gachagua’s conduct has harmed the cohesion of our administration,” said an MP who attended the meeting. “His divisive tribal rhetoric and incessant demands for positions for his community have weakened President Ruto’s leadership.”
The allegations against Gachagua include claims of blackmail and holding the President hostage by demanding key appointments for his Mt Kenya region.
One notable instance was Gachagua’s demand that the position of former Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General Githii Mburu be filled by someone from his region.
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“Gachagua’s narrow and tribalistic approach to governance is unacceptable,” an MP commented. “His opposition to the Finance Bill 2024 and his encouragement of pro-government MPs to reject it was a clear act of defiance.”
The CS nominee who addressed the MPs indicated that President Ruto was exasperated with Gachagua’s erratic behavior. “The President is fed up with Gachagua’s antics. He frequently holds secret meetings with his community, inciting them against paying taxes and opposing government policies,” the nominee said.
This political turmoil unfolds amid President Ruto’s decision to include opposition leader Raila Odinga’s allies in his Cabinet, a move seen by analysts as a direct challenge to Gachagua.
Former Gatanga MP Nduati Ngugi remarked last weekend, “The alliance between Ruto and Odinga presents a serious threat to Gachagua. His impeachment could be imminent if he doesn’t manage this situation wisely.”
Maragua MP Mary wa Maua had previously alleged a conspiracy against Gachagua, asserting, “There is a plot to remove the Deputy President, but we will support him until the end.”
Political Crisis Deepens: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Faces Impeachment Amid Rising Tensions with President Ruto
