Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached in a historic vote in the country’s Senate, making him the first deputy president to be removed from office in this way since Kenya’s 2010 constitution was introduced. Gachagua, who faced 11 charges including corruption, inciting ethnic violence, and money laundering, rejected the charges as politically motivated. The Senate found him guilty of five charges, leading to his removal from office. Gachagua was elected to serve alongside President William Ruto in August 2022, but their relations have soured over time, with Gachagua feeling sidelined by the president and kept in the dark about important events.
Following Gachagua’s impeachment, questions arose about the relationship between President Ruto and his deputy, with many comparing the fallout to that between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto in 2018. Gachagua’s accusations of being sidelined and supporting antigovernment protests further strained his relationship with Ruto. The deputy president blamed the director-general of the National Intelligence Service for not briefing Ruto adequately on the severity of the protests, leading to accusations of undermining state security services. Ruto’s reshuffling of his cabinet and appointment of opposition allies as ministers were seen as weakening Gachagua’s influence.
The public reaction to Gachagua’s impeachment has been mixed, with demonstrations and clashes between supporters and opponents of the deputy president. Supporters from his home region called for the impeachment of President Ruto, arguing that if Gachagua was impeached for his crimes, then the president should face the same fate. Kenyans have also been calling for Ruto’s resignation and impeachment since the antigovernment protests, which resulted in deaths and missing persons. While Gachagua’s impeachment may further erode public support for Ruto, the president has already faced criticism for his handling of the protests and subsequent actions.
Gachagua has the option to challenge his impeachment in court, which could prolong the process of finding a replacement for the deputy president. According to Kenya’s laws, the president has 14 days to nominate a new deputy president, after which the National Assembly will have 60 days to deliberate on the nominee. Ruto has already nominated Kithure Kindiki, the interior minister, for the position. Some believe the fast-tracked process could signal a “choreographed move” to quickly replace Gachagua. Lawyers say it may take months or years for the court to decide on Gachagua’s challenge, creating uncertainty around the succession process.
The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua marks a significant moment in Kenyan political history, raising questions about power dynamics within the ruling coalition and the fallout between President Ruto and his deputy. The public reaction to Gachagua’s removal has been divided, with calls for further investigations into the president’s actions and a push for accountability. The legal challenges ahead could prolong the process of finding a replacement for Gachagua, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Kenya’s political landscape.
