Kenyan Lawmakers Move to Impeach Deputy President Amid Corruption Allegations

In a significant political development, Kenyan lawmakers have overwhelmingly voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over serious allegations of corruption and ethnic divisiveness. The impeachment motion, which was adopted with 281 votes in favor, marks a historic moment as Gachagua becomes the first deputy president in Kenya to face such a fate.

The motion, which details 11 specific charges, claims that Gachagua acquired wealth and properties through corrupt means. The deputy president, a wealthy businessman, has contested these allegations, asserting that the majority of his properties belong to his late brother’s estate. Nevertheless, the accusations have escalated tensions within the government, particularly following Gachagua’s fallout with President William Ruto.

On Tuesday evening, Speaker Moses Wetangula announced the vote results, with 44 lawmakers opposing the motion and one abstaining. The next step will involve the Senate, which has the authority to confirm or reject the impeachment.

The political drama surrounding Gachagua has shifted public attention away from pressing issues such as the rising cost of living that many Kenyans are struggling to manage. The 59-year-old deputy president, affectionately known as “Riggy G,” described the accusations against him as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda,” reflecting a tense atmosphere in the East African nation.

Political tensions have been mounting since June, when protests erupted against unpopular tax hikes. The unrest exposed a growing rift between Gachagua and President Ruto, who responded by overhauling his cabinet and bringing in members from the opposition. This turmoil led to the deaths of over 50 individuals during the protests, further complicating the political landscape.

In recent weeks, several MPs allied with Gachagua faced police scrutiny for allegedly funding the protests, although no formal charges were pressed. In anticipation of the impeachment vote, security was tightened around Nairobi, with police patrolling key areas and restricting public access to parliament.

To defend against the impeachment motion, Gachagua hired approximately 20 lawyers, as local media reported. The constitutional requirement for initiating an impeachment motion mandates that at least 117 MPs support it; last week, 291 MPs signed the motion, indicating considerable legislative backing.

Despite his attempts to halt the proceedings through the courts, Gachagua faced repeated failures. In a televised address, he targeted Mwengi Mutuse, the MP behind the motion, labeling it “shameful and sensational.” The motion outlines that Gachagua allegedly amassed assets worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $40 million) within just two years, raising significant concerns about unexplained wealth.

“I am innocent of all these charges,” Gachagua asserted defiantly. “I have no intention whatsoever to resign from this job. I will fight to the end.” He also defended the contentious renovation of his official residence in Nairobi, which has been a subject of scrutiny.

According to a parliamentary report, over 200,000 responses were gathered from the public regarding the impeachment, with approximately 65% supporting Gachagua’s removal. In a bid for reconciliation, Gachagua appealed to Ruto and other MPs for forgiveness regarding any past missteps, though he clarified that his apology should not be construed as an admission of guilt.

While Ruto has not publicly commented on the impeachment motion, he previously expressed a commitment to not publicly humiliate his deputy. This stance adds another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous political scenario.

Gachagua, who hails from the influential Kikuyu community, Kenya’s largest ethnic group, rose to prominence despite past corruption scandals to become Ruto’s running mate in the closely contested 2022 elections. Ruto belongs to the Kalenjin ethnic group, primarily residing in the Rift Valley. Historically, these two communities have faced significant tensions, especially following the violent aftermath of the 2007 elections, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths.

In a notable precedent, Vice-President Josephat Karanja resigned in 1989 when he faced a similar impeachment motion, illustrating the long-standing challenges associated with political accountability in Kenya. As the situation unfolds, the implications of Gachagua’s potential removal could have lasting effects on the Kenyan political landscape and public trust in government.