Kenya VP Faces Impeachment Over Corruption, Protest Allegations

Kenya VP Faces Impeachment

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently faced a setback when his request to halt impeachment proceedings was denied by the High Court...

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faces impeachment over corruption, protest allegations. He denies wrongdoing, accuses legislator of lies, and vows to defend himself.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing impeachment proceedings in the National Assembly due to allegations of supporting violent anti-government protests in June and other serious charges. These allegations include corruption, promoting ethnically divisive politics, and engaging in activities incompatible with his office.

Lawmakers have raised concerns over Gachagua's rapid accumulation of wealth, estimated to be around 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million), since the last election. This is particularly striking given his annual salary of $93,000. Among his notable assets is the famous Treetops Hotel in Kenya.

However, he maintains that his wealth has been accumulated through entirely legitimate means, specifically citing business deals and an inheritance from his late brother. This defense comes as lawmakers initiated the impeachment process on October 1, with an overwhelming 291 members of parliament backing the motion - well beyond the required 117.

Gachagua has also warned that his removal from office could stir discontent among his supporters, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. It's clear that this development has significant implications for Kenya's political landscape.

The impeachment motion, which has gained significant support from at least 291 MPs, outlines several grounds for Gachagua's removal, including gross violation of the constitution, committing serious crimes under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, and engaging in corrupt practices.

If the impeachment motion succeeds, Gachagua will cease to hold office immediately, and a vacancy will be filled within 14 days. The president will nominate a replacement, and the National Assembly will vote on the nomination within 60 days.

The political landscape in Kenya is heating up, with alliances shifting ahead of the 2027 elections. Gachagua's impeachment could trigger a significant realignment, potentially leading to a formidable opposition block against President Ruto's camp.

Rigathi Gachagua has been fighting to clear his name amidst impeachment proceedings. On Monday, he made it clear that his apology was not an admission of guilt and also put to rest rumors of his resignation. Gachagua went further, accusing the legislator behind the impeachment motion of lying and labeled the motion “shameful and sensational.”

The impeachment process is now moving forward, with legislators set to debate the motion on Tuesday afternoon, followed by a vote. If passed, the motion will head to the Senate for further review. Gachagua has vowed to vigorously defend himself against the allegations, stating his intention to prosecute his defense.

This development is the latest in the growing rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto. The alliance between Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga has raised eyebrows, leading to claims that the new pact is aimed at pushing Gachagua out of office. With over 116 lawmakers reportedly supporting the motion, Kenya may be on the verge of witnessing a significant political shift.

The impeachment process, if successful, could have far-reaching implications for Kenya's political landscape. If Gachagua is impeached, President Ruto will have to nominate a new Deputy President within 14 days, subject to a vote in the National Assembly. This could either solidify Ruto's grip on power or deepen divisions within the government.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently faced a setback when his request to halt impeachment proceedings was denied by the High Court. This development comes as Gachagua faces allegations of supporting anti-government protests, corruption, and other irregularities.

In a bid to salvage the situation, Gachagua held a prayer meeting at his residence on Sunday, where he appealed to President William Ruto, lawmakers, and the Kenyan people to forgive him for any wrongdoing during his tenure. However, he clarified on Monday that his apology wasn't an admission of guilt and dispelled rumors that he would resign.