The Kenyan political scene was shaken to its core on October 8th, 2024, as Deputy President Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by the National Assembly. This unprecedented move, a first in Kenya’s history under the 2010 Constitution, has left many wondering about Gachagua’s future and the implications for the nation.
Rigathi Gachagua, known for his bold and sometimes abrasive style, has been a controversial figure throughout his career. His journey to this point has been marked by both notable achievements and accusations of misconduct which forced the National Assembly to get rid of him in a historical manner.
Who is Rigathi Gachagua?
Rising from humble beginnings as the son of Mau Mau freedom fighters, Gachagua climbed the ranks, serving in various government roles before entering parliament in 2017. He was a vocal advocate for his constituents in Mount Kenya, often challenging authority figures to address their needs.
This quality, as William Ruto himself noted, contributed to Gachagua’s selection as his running mate in the 2022 presidential election.
The turning point
However, his tenure has been dogged by allegations of corruption. In 2022, a Kenyan court ordered him to repay Ksh 202 million (US$1.7 million) deemed to be proceeds of corruption.
Although facing charges in a separate $60 million corruption case, these were eventually dropped. Despite these controversies, Gachagua’s impeachment stemmed from a more recent deterioration in his relationship with President Ruto.
The ten articles of impeachment brought against him included serious accusations of corruption, ethnic discrimination, and contradicting government policies. This furthermore happened when the 281 MPs voting in favour of the impeachment and only 44 against it.
His fate now rests in the hands of the Kenyan Senate. The Senate’s decision will undoubtedly have significant consequences, not just for Gachagua’s political career, but also for the future of Kenyan politics.
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The day the Kenyan Senate will sit, will be justified with a massive call for action and confirming what the National Assembly decided on. No one knows how this will go down, but we are waiting for the final drama to unfold.
