Kenya's parliament voted on Tuesday to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on charges of self-enrichment and inciting ethnic hatred, according to the chamber’s speaker, Moses Wetang’ula. This decision now paves the way for the Senate to consider the motion.
“According to the results… a total of 281 members, surpassing two-thirds of the National Assembly, have voted in favor of the motion,” Wetang’ula announced.
Gachagua, who has denied all allegations, was instrumental in securing President William Ruto's victory in the 2022 elections, garnering substantial support from the populous central Kenya region. However, he has recently expressed feelings of being sidelined, amidst media reports of a rift with Ruto as political alliances shift.
In the wake of nationwide protests against unpopular tax increases in June and July—protests that resulted in over 50 deaths—Ruto dismissed much of his cabinet, integrating members of the main opposition into his government.
During the impeachment proceedings, Gachagua urged lawmakers to “search your conscience” before casting their votes. “If you find no grounds to impeach the Deputy President of Kenya, please make the right decision,” he implored.
Members of parliament ultimately voted in favor of impeachment by a decisive margin of 281 to 44, with one abstention. Kimani Ichung’wah, the majority leader, stated that the 59-year-old politician had “violated not one, but eight provisions of our constitution.” At one point, Ichung’wah led a chant of “Rigathi must go,” labeling Gachagua as “a great danger to our nationhood and the unity of our republic.”
In a press conference prior to the impeachment proceedings, Gachagua proclaimed his innocence and denied allegations of amassing an unexplained property portfolio and promoting “ethnic balkanization.” “I will fight to the end,” he asserted.
The Senate will now take up the charges and may appoint a special committee to investigate. Gachagua or his representative will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations during this process. If two-thirds of the Senate vote to uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will be removed from office.
Additionally, Gachagua has filed a court petition seeking to halt the impeachment proceedings, which were initiated by allies of Ruto's coalition last week.
A recent poll by TIFA Research indicated that 41% of Kenyans support the impeachment, while 38% oppose it. President Ruto has yet to comment publicly on the proceedings.
Gachagua has faced backlash within Ruto's coalition for suggesting that those who voted for the coalition should have priority in public sector jobs and development projects, further complicating his position.
