Ruto’s deputy, Gachagua, impeached amid fallout with President, alleged corruption, abuse of office

NAIROBI — Kenya’s National Assembly has impeached Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, following allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

In a decisive vote on Tuesday night, 281 lawmakers voted in favor of removing Gachagua, with 44 opposing and one abstaining.

According to Voice of America, the final decision now lies with the Senate, which began considering the case on Wednesday after the National Assembly approved the motion.

Ahead of the vote, Gachagua and his allies presented his defense to the Assembly, but their arguments failed to sway the majority.

Gachagua was accused of acquiring properties through corrupt means, although he claimed the assets belonged to his late brother.

Additional accusations include practicing ethnic politics and undermining the government.

The impeachment followed a falling out between Gachagua and President William Ruto.

Gachagua has denied all charges, calling them “outrageous” and dismissing the allegations as propaganda aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

Political commentator, Martin Andati, suggested that Gachagua’s strained relationships with other politicians and poor public management skills contributed to his downfall.

“He antagonized MPs, the Senate and spoke poorly of the chambers and their speakers. His fate is sealed,” Andati said.

However, some lawmakers, such as Robert Mbui, deputy leader of the minority, opposed the impeachment.

Mbui argued that parliament should prioritize critical public issues like unemployment and the high cost of living, rather than focusing on one individual.

Kenyan political expert Harman Manyora warned that the impeachment sets a dangerous precedent, threatening political stability and ethnic cohesion.

“This move has the potential to cause division in an already ethnically charged country,” he cautioned.

The Senate’s debate and voting on Gachagua’s conduct will continue next week.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.