Kenya’s political landscape is being shaken by a growing rift between President William Ruto and his Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua. Once political allies, their relationship is under strain as Gachagua faces an impeachment threat amid tensions within their Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The impeachment motion, spearheaded by both ruling party members and opposition MPs, has gained momentum due to Gachagua’s outspoken stance on several controversial issues. His opposition to key government policies, including the Finance Bill 2024, and his public criticism of powerful figures such as National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji, have alienated him from many in the political establishment.
Behind the scenes, various political factions have been holding secret meetings to gather the necessary signatures for the motion to be tabled in Parliament. Reports suggest that President Ruto’s allies have been actively strategizing to remove Gachagua, with key figures such as Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot leading efforts to secure enough backing for the motion.
Gachagua, on his part, has made it clear that he believes the impeachment effort would not succeed without President Ruto’s approval. He has repeatedly implied that any such motion would require Ruto’s blessing to reach the floor of Parliament, raising suspicions that the President may be tacitly supporting the move. Gachagua has also accused those pushing for his ouster of bribing lawmakers to secure their votes, further fueling the political drama.
The Deputy President’s supporters argue that the push to impeach him is driven by regional politics and internal divisions within the ruling party. Gachagua’s strong advocacy for the Mount Kenya region has led some MPs from other regions to accuse him of promoting tribalism and neglecting national interests.
If the motion reaches Parliament, it would need a two-thirds majority to pass, after which it would move to the Senate for further scrutiny. A successful impeachment could spell the end of Gachagua’s political career and potentially destabilize the Kenya Kwanza government, triggering a wider political crisis.
The coming days are critical, as both Gachagua and his opponents continue their behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Whether through negotiation, political maneuvering, or outright confrontation, this defining week could determine the future of Kenya’s Deputy President. Both Gachagua’s fate and the stability of the Ruto administration hang in the balance.
Ennywealth
