DP Gachagua’s Time In Office Is Limited As Parliament Moves Forward With Impeachment Efforts

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is staring down the barrel of a potential impeachment as lawmakers rally behind a motion to remove him from office....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Momentum is building within Parliament, with over 116 MPs already signing in support of the motion, positioning the Deputy President on the verge of a political showdown that could redefine the political landscape.

Why it matters:

The potential impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua threatens to shake Kenya’s political landscape, potentially disrupting power dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza alliance. His removal could weaken the Mt. Kenya bloc’s influence and test President Ruto’s political strength, exposing cracks within the administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

For Kenyans, an impeachment could stall government operations, disrupt services, and create uncertainty in national policies. With the country already facing economic challenges like rising inflation and unemployment, political instability risks diverting attention from urgent national issues, deepening the strain on citizens.

Dig deeper:

Reports suggest that President William Ruto’s camp is in overdrive, collecting signatures and building a case strong enough to ensure Gachagua’s removal. The plot thickened as President Ruto remains abroad, attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Lawmakers backing the motion appear eager to capitalise on the President’s absence, pushing to have the impeachment tabled before his return.

The charge sheet against Gachagua reportedly spans several constitutional violations. MPs accuse him of breaching Articles 73, 75, 79, 129, and 131 of the Constitution. The accusations include gross misconduct, divisive politics, undermining collective Cabinet responsibility, and breaching national security protocols.

His outspoken criticism of the National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji, coupled with his opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, are being highlighted as grounds for his removal.

The impeachment plot has drawn a bipartisan coalition of MPs, with many across party lines signing onto the motion. National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya confirmed to the Daily Nation that the drive to impeach Gachagua is picking up speed. “We have built a watertight case,” Baya noted, indicating that even MPs previously loyal to Gachagua are now distancing themselves.

Reports indicate that some are jumping ship, believing that removing him from office will neutralise his influence.

Behind the scenes, intense lobbying is underway. President Ruto’s allies, led by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, held a secret meeting in Nairobi to strategise Gachagua’s ouster. The meeting, attended by over 30 MPs, focused on ensuring that the required signatures were obtained before the motion is tabled. With 117 signatures needed to introduce the motion in the National Assembly, those pushing for Gachagua’s removal are confident they can cross the threshold.

The Deputy President’s response has been equally intense. Sources close to Gachagua claim he is mobilising his loyalists, holding closed-door meetings at his official residence in Karen. While no clear strategy has been revealed, Gachagua is said to be exploring every option available—resignation, mounting a political defence, or negotiating directly with President Ruto.

As the political battle heats up, the impeachment could have significant consequences for Gachagua’s future. Article 150 of the Constitution stipulates that a Deputy President can be impeached for gross violations of the law, misconduct, or suspicion of unlawful activity. If removed, Gachagua would not only lose his position but also be disqualified from holding any public office, including running for the presidency in 2027. Legal experts agree that his political career could effectively end should the impeachment succeed.

A number of MPs from Mt Kenya have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with Gachagua, accusing him of tribal politics and neglecting national interests.

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has already filed a censure motion in the Senate, which could further complicate Gachagua’s situation. The charges against him also highlight his persistent advocacy for the rights of the Mt Kenya region, which some MPs claim is exclusionary and divisive.

As the impeachment motion looms, the battle is now between Gachagua and President Ruto’s allies, who have been working behind the scenes to solidify support. Should the motion reach the National Assembly, it must pass with a two-thirds majority before moving to the Senate, where it faces further scrutiny.

If Gachagua is impeached, it could trigger a political crisis within the Kenya Kwanza government. His public calls for President Ruto to intervene have been ignored so far, leaving him to wage the battle largely on his own. The stakes could not be higher, with both Gachagua and Ruto’s political futures hanging in the balance.

Gachagua’s way out:

Gachagua has three potential courses of action: he could resign, strike a deal with President Ruto to quash the motion, or attempt to rally support in Parliament. The next few days will prove critical as MPs decide whether to proceed with the motion or back down. Either way, the Deputy President’s fate is now in the hands of Parliament…CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>