A day after the court granted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua temporary reprieve by suspending the impeachment charges, the ‘Truthful Man’ is not yet out of the woods.[…]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE▶
Gachagua had been impeached on Thursday following the Senate’s decision to uphold five out of eleven charges against him.
The vote on Thursday night signals serious trouble for the former second-in-command, with further investigations called for by the legislators over allegations of accumulating over unexplainable Ksh5.2 billion in wealth.
Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale has called for a thorough investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“Even as we ask the DP to leave office, we must insist that the DCI and EACC and other investigative agencies must pursue this matter beyond this vote,” Khalwale said.
Khalwale expressed concern over what he described as an “intricate web of companies,” implying deeper issues at play.
In addition to the impeachment, Gachagua risks losing his position as deputy party leader of the ruling UDA party.
A few days ago, UDA acting secretary general Hassan Omar hinted at plans for Gachagua’s expulsion.
“In fact, if that motion of impeachment sails through, our immediate concern then will be to eject him also as a member of the party,” Omar stated.
If Gachagua cannot overturn the impeachment legally, he will be permanently barred from holding any elective or public office. This situation compounds his troubles, including the potential loss of significant retirement perks typically granted to former deputy presidents.
Under the Retirement Benefits Act, 2015, officials who violate the constitution lose their retirement benefits.
Gachagua’s entitlements include a monthly pension, a lump sum payment based on his terms in office, and various vehicle allowances.
Gachagua’s allies are also at risk, with plans to target lawmakers who supported him during the impeachment process.
Reports suggest that those holding influential positions within the House could face removal as soon as the impeachment proceedings conclude.
A senior Kenya Kwanza MP stated, “I am aware of very advanced talks to crack the whip immediately the whole issue of impeachment is dispensed with.”
Among those targeted are several committee chairs, including Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who leads the Trade Committee, and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who chairs the Constitution and Implementation oversight committee.
The potential purge could exacerbate tensions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, where many of the affected lawmakers reside…CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
