Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faces an impeachment vote on Tuesday as lawmakers accuse him of corruption, government sabotage, and engaging in divisive ethnic politics, News About Nigeria reports.
Gachagua, 59, dismissed the accusations as “outrageous” and “propaganda” at a press conference on Monday, claiming it was a targeted effort to force him out of office.
A seasoned businessman from Kenya’s largest ethnic group, the Kikuyu, Gachagua’s political career has previously withstood allegations of corruption, allowing him to ascend to the deputy position as Ruto’s running mate in the tightly contested 2022 election.
However, recent complaints of being sidelined by Ruto, alongside allegations of backing youth-led protests in June over unpopular tax hikes, have intensified scrutiny on his role.
Last month, police summoned MPs aligned with Gachagua, accusing them of financing protests, though no formal charges have been filed.
On October 1, 291 lawmakers—a huge majority above the required 117—supported moving forward with the impeachment motion, listing 11 charges against Gachagua.
These include allegations of amassing 5.2 billion shillings (roughly $40 million) in assets since the 2022 election, despite an official salary of just $93,000.
Among the assets is the Treetops Hotel, historically famous as the site where Britain’s Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne.
Gachagua claims that his wealth stems from legitimate business endeavours and family inheritance.
The impeachment session opened in parliament late Tuesday, with Gachagua taking the floor alongside a team of lawyers with a 500-page document to defend his case. He insisted, “I will fight to the end.”
The ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition member sponsoring the motion is permitted a 30-minute rebuttal, and further debate will continue through the evening, with lawmakers voting once deliberations conclude.
To pass, the impeachment motion needs the support of 233 out of 349 MPs.
If approved, the matter moves to the Senate, which must convene within a week and reach a two-thirds majority to uphold the decision.
Should Gachagua be impeached, he would make history as the first deputy president removed under Kenya’s 2010 constitution.
