Kenya’s parliament is poised to vote on Tuesday on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a political drama that has exposed deep divisions within the ruling party.
Lawmakers have leveled serious accusations against the 59-year-old deputy to President William Ruto, including corruption, undermining the government, and promoting ethnically divisive politics.
Gachagua has categorically denied the allegations, dismissing them as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda,” claiming the move is a calculated effort to force him out of office.
The deputy president, a businessman from Kenya’s largest ethnic group, the Kikuyu, rose to power as Ruto’s running mate in the closely contested August 2022 election. Despite previously facing corruption scandals, Gachagua maintained his position.
However, in recent weeks, he has voiced complaints of being sidelined by the president and has been accused of backing anti-government protests, which were sparked by unpopular tax hikes.
Tensions have escalated since the protests began in June, with several lawmakers allied to Gachagua summoned by police for allegedly funding the demonstrations. While no formal charges have been brought against him, MPs have listed 11 grounds for impeachment, including claims that Gachagua amassed assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since taking office, despite his annual salary of only $93,000.
Among the contested assets is the famous Treetops Hotel, where Britain’s Princess Elizabeth stayed before becoming queen. Gachagua maintains that his wealth is the result of legitimate business ventures and an inheritance from his late brother.
The impeachment process was initiated on October 1, with 291 lawmakers supporting the motion—far surpassing the 117 votes required. If two-thirds of the National Assembly back the impeachment on Tuesday, the motion will advance to the Senate for further deliberation.
Should the motion pass, Gachagua would be the first deputy president to be impeached since the provision was introduced in Kenya’s 2010 constitution. He has warned that his removal could lead to unrest among his supporters.
