Kenya’s National Assembly Removes Deputy President Gachagua

Kenya’s National Assembly voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 in a historic political event. The decision was made during a lengthy parliamentary session, with 281 members voting in favor of the impeachment, while 44 opposed it, and one member abstained.
Gachagua appeared before the assembly earlier that day to defend himself against multiple allegations, including corruption, insubordination, and undermining the government. The impeachment motion accused him of engaging in ethnically divisive politics, among other serious charges. The session, which began at 9:30 AM, concluded nearly 12 hours later, at 9:25 PM.
The 59 year old deputy president’s impeachment comes after months of escalating conflict between him and President William Ruto. The motion, which required a two-thirds majority to pass in the 349-member assembly, signals a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape. Gachagua’s impeachment now moves to the Senate, where, if approved, he will become the first deputy president in Kenya to be removed from office under the revised 2010 constitution.
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During the parliamentary session, Gachagua presented a 500-page dossier to refute the allegations against him. He described the impeachment motion as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda,” suggesting it was an effort to force him out of office. Gachagua, a prominent businessman from the Kikuyu community, had previously weathered corruption scandals to become Ruto’s running mate in the closely contested 2022 elections.
In recent weeks, Gachagua expressed feelings of being sidelined by the president. He faced accusations of supporting youth-led anti-government protests that erupted in June over unpopular tax hikes. The political tensions have intensified since these protests, which resulted in fatalities and exposed divisions within the country’s leadership. Gachagua acknowledged that the impeachment motion could not have proceeded without Ruto’s approval.
This political feud echoes past conflicts, particularly the fallout between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto before the 2022 elections. Lawmakers cited 11 grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment, including claims that he amassed 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $40 million) since taking office, despite earning an annual salary of just $93,000. Among his reported assets is the iconic Treetops Hotel, where Princess Elizabeth was staying when she became queen.
Gachagua insists that his wealth has been acquired through legitimate business ventures and an inheritance from his late brother. He warned that his removal could incite unrest among his supporters and declared his intent not to resign, stating, “I will fight to the end.”
The impeachment process began on October 1, with 291 MPs backing the motion, significantly surpassing the 117 votes needed to initiate the proceedings. The Senate will now have one week to convene and will have ten days to address the motion, allowing Gachagua to cross-examine evidence against him. The Senate will require a two-thirds majority to finalize the impeachment.
While the potential for mass protests following the impeachment is considered low, political analyst Dismas Mokua cautioned that orchestrated unrest remains a distinct possibility. He noted that Gachagua had misjudged his role, lacking the political patience necessary for the deputy president’s position. The last time a vice president faced a similar impeachment threat was in 1989, when Josephat Karanja resigned in the face of parliamentary opposition.
Details of Impeachment Vote
Votes
Votes in Favor
281
Votes Against
44
Abstentions
1