Rigathi Gachagua's dismissal sends shockwaves through Kenyan politics

On October 8, 2024, the Kenyan parliament voted to impeach Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s deputy president, after a tense session marked by accusations of corruption and alignment with anti-government protests. Out of 326 MPs, 281 voted for his impeachment, while 44 opposed and only one abstained. The move, which could be upheld or rejected by the Senate, marks an unprecedented break in the administration of President William Ruto and raises questions about the stability of power in Kenya.

The causes of impeachment

Rigathi Gachagua, who has been accused of corruption and embezzlement of public funds, has also been implicated for his alleged support for the June 2024 protests against the government’s tax policy. The protests, which mobilized thousands of citizens across the country, targeted President Ruto’s tax increase, a measure that Gachagua allegedly supported behind the scenes. This position has amplified tensions within the ruling coalition, already weakened by internal power struggles.

In front of parliament, Gachagua denied the accusations against him, saying they were politically motivated and aimed at discrediting his work as vice president. He defended his record, saying that his family's properties and assets, now under investigation, were the result of hard work and not corruption.

The Senate as Arbitrator

With this historic vote, the ball is now in the Senate's court, which must decide whether to confirm the impeachment. If the Senate upholds this decision, Gachagua would become the first deputy president to be impeached under the current constitution, adopted in 2010. It could also open a major political crisis within the Ruto government, especially since Gachagua enjoyed the support of a section of the population and some influential members of the government.

President Ruto, who has kept a low profile throughout the impeachment proceedings, faces a delicate political dilemma. While he has promised not to publicly “humiliate” his deputy, Gachagua’s ouster could redefine the balance of power within his administration and erode the trust of his political allies.

The consequences for Kenya

Gachagua’s impeachment is not only a blow to the vice president, but also casts a harsh light on the divisions within Kenya’s leadership. The country, already grappling with major economic challenges such as inflation and a jobs crisis, could see its political stability further undermined. Moreover, this political tug-of-war is exacerbating ethnic and regional tensions, as Gachagua is an influential representative of the Kikuyu community, one of the most powerful in the country.

The final outcome of this case, which now rests with the Senate, will have major repercussions on Kenyan politics in the months to come.