Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is standing his ground amidst a storm of allegations that threaten to engulf his political career. As the National Assembly prepares to debate his impeachment motion today, the DP remains defiant, challenging accusations of misusing state resources, undermining President William Ruto, and profiting from dubious state tenders.[โฆ]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLEโถ
After a two-page defence on national television on Monday night, the DP took out a full-page ad on the Daily Nation in a bid to explain his defence to the nation.
On Monday, Gachagua asserted that he would not resign, indicating that he would defend himself in Parliament, taking advantage of the two hours allotted to him. โI have no intention to resign from this job,โ Gachagua stated. He added, โI will battle to the end.โ
The impeachment motion, filed by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, centres on claims that Gachagua, through 22 companies, amassed a staggering Ksh5.2 billion. The DP fiercely defended himself, attributing some of the properties in question, including Vipingo Beach Resort Ltd and Olive Gardens, to his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua. These properties, he insisted, were part of his brotherโs estate and not personal acquisitions.
Appearing unfazed, Gachagua framed the accusations as a plot to force him out of office. โThese are baseless claims, nothing but a smear campaign. Kenyans deserve the truth,โ he stated. He has also maintained his commitment to facing the National Assembly, declaring, โI will be there. Let the people hear my side.โ
To oust the deputy president, at least two-thirds of both the National Assembly and Senate must back the motion for his removal. The crucial vote in the National Assembly is set for Tuesday.
At the heart of the controversy is Gachaguaโs alleged defiance of Cabinet resolutions, particularly regarding evictions along the Nairobi River. The DP clarified his stance, stating he supported the eviction but felt the compensation of Ksh10,000 was insufficient. โMy objection was not about defying the President, but upholding human dignity,โ he stressed.
Regarding the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) scandal, where Gachagua was accused of involvement in irregular mosquito net tenders, the DP denied any association.
โI had no hand in those tenders, nor do I have any connection to the companies involved,โ he asserted. His response comes as public scrutiny of KEMSA intensifies following revelations of procurement irregularities.
Gachagua also tackled allegations of costly renovations to his official residences, dismissing claims of personal gain. โThe renovations were above board, approved by the National Assembly. I was not involved in the tender process,โ he explained. He cited the Auditor-Generalโs report, which, according to him, raised no queries on the expenditure.
The accusations extend beyond state tenders to the DPโs alleged acquisition of Ksh100.3 million from Lusona Events Ltd. Gachagua, however, rejected any link to the firm. โI donโt know this company, and Iโve never been involved in its dealings,โ he emphasised. He argued that the evidence provided was flimsy and based on hearsay.
Gachaguaโs defence rests heavily on the claim that most of the companies mentioned have not traded in years or are non-profit organisations.
He cited the Rigathi Gachagua Foundation and the Dorcas Rigathi Foundation, both incorporated in 2022, as entities focused on philanthropy, not business ventures. โThese foundations exist to uplift the underprivileged, not to profit,โ he insisted.
The accusations against the deputy president include siphoning public funds and making divisive statements aimed at fuelling ethnic tension, as outlined in a petition submitted to Parliament by a member of the ruling coalition. Gachagua dismissed the allegations as โoutrageous.โ
โThat is a scheme to hound me out of office because of other political considerations, and has nothing to do with violation of the Constitution,โ Gachagua asserted.
He stated the vote โwill be the greatest circus,โ adding that it is the โheight of absurdity and parliament will be the theater of the absurdโฆCLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
