In a political thriller that has shown a split within the ruling party, Kenya’s parliament was scheduled to vote on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, on impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

A number of accusations have been made against the 59-year-old deputy to President William Ruto by lawmakers, including corruption, undermining the administration, and engaging in politically divisive ethnic politics. Gachagua refuted the charges, calling them “outrageous” and “pure propaganda,” during a press conference on Monday. He said the claims were part of a plot to force him from office.

Gachagua is a businessman from the Kikuyu, the largest tribe in Kenya. After surviving earlier corruption allegations, he was selected as Ruto’s running mate in August 2022 and went on to become deputy leader.

However, in the last several weeks, he has bemoaned being ignored by his boss and faced accusations of endorsing youth-led demonstrations against the government that started in June. Since the occasionally fatal protests over unpopular tax hikes broke out, tensions between Gachagua and Ruto have been high on the political agenda.

Police called several Gachagua-aligned MPs last month on suspicion of providing funds for the protests. Prosecutors have not filed any formal charges against Gachagua, and no court investigation has been initiated.

However, parliamentarians have put forth 11 grounds for impeachment, including claims that, while earning only $93,000 a year, he has accumulated assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since the previous election. The famous Treetops Hotel in Kenya, where the then-Princess Elizabeth of Britain was residing when she became queen, was one of the assets listed.

Gachagua claims that his inheritance from his late brother and honest business dealings are the only sources of his wealth. He has issued a warning that his supporters would become uneasy if he is removed.

On October 1, 291 members of parliament in Kenya supported the impeachment resolution, which was much more than the required 117. For the motion to be approved on Tuesday, the support of two-thirds of the National Assembly, the lower chamber, is required. The Senate, the upper house, would then hear it.

If impeached, Gachagua would be the first Deputy President to be ousted in this fashion since the possibility was added to Kenya’s 2010 updated constitution.

AFP

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