President Ruto’s Hand In Gachagua Ouster As Nearly 300 MPs Back Impeachment Motion

President William Ruto is said to have had a change of heart over the planned ouster of his second in command. This comes as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is navigating a political minefield as nearly 300 MPs rally behind an impeachment motion that threatens to upend his career....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

According to reports, a silent but significant intervention appears to be taking place behind the scenes. President Ruto reportedly gave the green light for the impeachment motion on Wednesday but had a change of heart after appeals from influential business and religious leaders.

Gachagua backed into a corner, has issued a stern warning, declaring that his removal could collapse the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, throwing the government into disarray.

Gachagua’s defiance has not wavered despite mounting opposition. While addressing supporters in Kiambu, he boldly stated, “Our party of UDA has a President and Deputy President, and we were voted in as one ticket. If you do not want Gachagua, that will finish UDA.” His words underscore his intention to stay in power, but the political storm brewing around him threatens to end his career permanently.

Dig deeper:

The embattled deputy president is now in a precarious situation, weighing his limited options. If impeached, Gachagua risks permanent disqualification from holding public office. This has left his political strategists scrambling to explore alternatives, including resignation to avoid a humiliating impeachment trial or negotiating with President Ruto to have the motion dropped.

According to reports, Gachagua has engaged a slew of attorneys who are prepared to argue his case in Parliament and, if necessary, in court. Furthermore, indications indicate that extensive lobbying is taking place as Gachagua strives to gather support against his dismissal.

Gachagua’s political tactics bear the hallmarks of his earlier role in the Tanga Tanga movement, which helped Kenya Kwanza clinch victory. His recent chant, “Harambee – Usiguse Mlima,” echoes the populist strategies that have endeared him to the Mt Kenya region, but it has also alienated several MPs. Many lawmakers from his home region accuse him of being the architect of their declining popularity among voters, branding them as traitors and collaborators.

This may have started showing positive indications for the troubled second in command. Several Mt Kenya leaders, once vocal in their opposition to Gachagua, have gone quiet. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who had previously accused Gachagua of orchestrating the impeachment to gain sympathy, has remained silent.

Only Murang’a Women Representative Betty Maina has publicly continued her criticism, warning that Gachagua is about to reap what he sowed.

As the clock ticks towards the Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting at State House next week, the political landscape is tense. Some MPs are facing a stark dilemma: supporting Gachagua risks their political future, while backing his impeachment could save their careers.

Gachagua’s political war with these MPs has reached fever pitch. According to insiders, Gachagua has incited the electorate against his critics, rendering them too afraid to campaign in their own constituencies. Some claim he has even planted rival candidates against them, making his removal a matter of survival.

For MPs who support the motion, the goal is simple: remove Gachagua, deprive him of state machinery, and prevent him from being a threat in future elections. As one MP put it, “If we do not stop him now, he will bury us in 2027.” The motion, which is expected to be debated next week, has been spearheaded by Kimilili MP Didimus Barasa, who confirmed gathering 280 signatures.

But Gachagua’s support is not entirely eroded. He has managed to secure backing from opposition figures like Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa. Together, their parties boast 32 MPs, leaving Gachagua with the difficult task of rallying an additional 25 MPs to block the motion from reaching the required two-thirds majority.

Amidst the chaos, Gachagua’s relationship with President Ruto remains an enigma. While Gachagua’s defiance could indicate a potential rift, political insiders suggest he may still seek Ruto’s intervention, hoping for a last-minute reprieve.

What experts think:

Political analysts believe that resigning might be the least damaging course of action for Gachagua. If he steps down, he would be out of office for three years but could begin rebuilding his political ambitions for 2027. However, his refusal to back down has complicated matters, leaving his allies divided. Some are urging him to resign, while others maintain that battling the impeachment head-on could still provide him with a political lifeline.

The upcoming PG meeting is seen as a critical moment, where Gachagua will either secure his political survival or face a crushing defeat…CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>