Kenyan lawmakers are preparing to initiate impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of undermining the government, according to parliament’s majority leader. This development highlights the growing divide between President William Ruto and his deputy.
The potential impeachment could further complicate the government’s situation following months of violent protests over a contested finance bill. These protests led Ruto to pause the legislation in June and dismiss most of his cabinet.
Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah confirmed the impeachment plans on Sunday, stating, “There is indeed an impeachment motion against the deputy president, and as the MP for Kikuyu, I have signed in support of it. I back this motion to stop any internal sabotage within the government.”
Attempts to reach Gachagua’s representatives for comment on Monday were unsuccessful.
Recently, Gachagua has voiced concerns about being sidelined and dismissed allegations linking him and his allies to the protests, calling it “a failed attempt to tarnish my reputation and set the stage for impeachment.”
Speaking on Sunday, Gachagua remarked that any impeachment motion would need the president’s approval. “Without the president’s consent, the motion won’t reach parliament. If it does, it will be because the president has endorsed it,” he said.
Gachagua holds considerable influence in Kenya’s central region, and efforts to remove him could provoke unrest, adding to Ruto’s challenges.
Over 50 people were killed during the protests against the finance bill, posing the biggest crisis for Ruto since he assumed office in 2022. Demonstrators opposed tax increases in the bill and demanded measures to address misgovernance and corruption.
In July, Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, nominating four opposition members to form a “broad-based” government. However, critics argue that this move merely continues a trend of integrating the opposition rather than implementing the substantial reforms citizens have been calling for.
