In October 2024, Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, faced impeachment proceedings initiated by the National Assembly.
The charges against him included corruption, ethnic discrimination, and undermining government policies.
The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of his impeachment, with 281 MPs supporting the motion and 44 opposing it.
The impeachment motion was introduced following a deterioration in Gachagua’s relationship with President William Ruto.
Allegations against Gachagua included money laundering, corruption, inciting violence along tribal lines, and abuse of office.
Notably, some ODM-affiliated Members of Parliament supported the impeachment motion against Gachagua, indicating a shift in political alliances.
Following the National Assembly’s decision, the Senate upheld five of the eleven charges against Gachagua, leading to his removal from office. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki was nominated to replace him as Deputy President.
However, Gachagua challenged the impeachment in court, alleging political motives behind the proceedings. The High Court issued a temporary order halting Kindiki’s swearing-in, pending further hearings.
In the aftermath, Gachagua claimed that his security detail had been withdrawn and accused government agents of attempting to poison him on two separate occasions.
He held President Ruto responsible for any harm that might come to him, describing the impeachment as “a political game by the president to get rid of me.”
This political upheaval has led to significant shifts within Kenya’s political landscape, with new alliances forming and existing ones dissolving.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal challenges and political maneuvering shaping the future of Kenya’s leadership.
