Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa recently claimed that there are active plans to impeach Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, before the end of 2024.
Barasa, elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, stated that they are pushing for the impeachment due to Gachagua’s alleged tribal and political biases, which they believe are divisive.
Barasa suggested that Gachagua would be removed from office by the end of the year and that he would “celebrate Christmas as an ordinary citizen” rather than as the Deputy President.
The MP also linked the call for impeachment to a broader effort to fight tribalism, inspired in part by the youth-driven Gen Z protests, which focus on justice and equality.
However, these impeachment discussions have sparked significant debate within political circles, with some leaders expressing doubts about the seriousness of the motion.
Key figures, including Kimani Ichung’wah, have dismissed the impeachment efforts as unlikely without President William Ruto’s backing.
Gachagua himself commented that if such a motion were to gain traction, it would only happen with the president’s approval, acknowledging that he cannot block or bribe MPs if they choose to pursue it.
This situation reflects growing tensions within the ruling coalition and highlights political rifts that could influence Kenya’s leadership dynamics going forward.
Despite these claims, some political leaders have downplayed the possibility of an actual impeachment, suggesting that the rift between Gachagua and certain factions in UDA could be managed internally.
