Kenya’s Deputy President Faces Impeachment Vote
Kenya’s deputy president faces impeachment over corruption.
The parliament in Kenya has scheduled to vote this Tuesday regarding the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, highlighting a division within the ruling party. Lawmakers have levelled accusations against the 59-year-old deputy to President William Ruto, claiming he is involved in corruption, undermining the government, and engaging in ethnically divisive politics, among other charges.
During a press conference on Monday, Gachagua dismissed these allegations as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda,” asserting that they are part of a scheme to force him out of office.
Gachagua, a businessman from Kenya’s largest ethnic group, the Kikuyu, has survived past corruption scandals and became deputy leader after being Ruto’s running mate in the tightly contested August 2022 election.
However, over the past few weeks he has expressed frustration about being marginalised by his boss and faced accusations of backing youth-led anti-government protests that began in June. Political tensions have escalated since the protests, some of which turned deadly, erupted over controversial tax increases, highlighting the rift between Gachagua and Ruto. Police summoned several MPs aligned with Gachagua last month, accusing them of financing the protests.
However, no formal charges have been brought by prosecutors, nor has any judicial inquiry been initiated against Gachagua. Lawmakers have outlined 11 reasons for impeachment, including allegations that he accumulated assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since the last election, despite an annual salary of only $93,000. Among the listed assets is Kenya’s famous Treetops Hotel, where Princess Elizabeth of Britain was staying when she ascended to the throne.
Gachagua claims his wealth is the result of legitimate business dealings and inheritance from his late brother. He has also cautioned that his removal could lead to unrest among his supporters. The impeachment process was initiated on October 1, with 291 members of parliament endorsing the motion, well above the 117 required.
For the motion to proceed, it must be supported by two-thirds of the lower house, the National Assembly, before moving to the Senate for consideration. If impeached, Gachagua would become the first deputy president removed under Kenya’s 2010 constitution.
READ: Ondo Town Flooded, Residents Cry Out For Help
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://cw39.com/international/ap-international/ap-kenyas-deputy-president-defends-himself-before-impeachment/
