Kenya’s impeached Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has raised concerns over his safety after claiming his security protection was withdrawn.
Gachagua, who was impeached last Thursday on charges including gross violation of the constitution and inciting ethnic hatred, stated that President William Ruto would be responsible if any harm befell him.
Speaking to journalists, Gachagua dismissed the charges as politically motivated and criticized Ruto, noting their previous alliance in the 2022 elections. “It’s unfortunate that you can be so vicious to someone who helped you become President,” he said, expressing fear for his safety.
While police spokeswoman Resila Onyango declined immediate comment, Ruto’s office has not yet responded to Gachagua’s accusations. The withdrawal of protection for senior politicians after leaving office is customary in Kenya, but Gachagua argued that his case is different, as he is still contesting his impeachment through legal means.
Despite Gachagua’s removal, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki’s appointment as his replacement has been delayed by a court pending legal challenges. President Ruto, who has reportedly fallen out with Gachagua in recent months, has yet to comment on the impeachment but emphasized the need for national unity and an end to “tribalism and exclusion” during a national holiday speech on Sunday.
