Kenyan lawmakers are preparing to initiate impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of undermining the government, according to parliament’s majority leader, Kimani Ichung’wah. The move highlights a growing rift between President William Ruto and his deputy, potentially escalating tensions within the administration.
“It is true there is an impeachment motion against the deputy president, and as the member of parliament for Kikuyu, I have already signed it,” Ichung’wah confirmed on Sunday. “I will support the motion to stop the internal sabotage of the government.”
Gachagua has recently expressed frustration over being sidelined and has denied allegations linking him to the unrest following protests against the government’s finance bill. He dismissed the accusations as attempts to tarnish his reputation and justify impeachment efforts. He also stated that any motion for his impeachment would require President Ruto’s approval, adding, “If it reaches parliament, it is because the president has authorized it.”
The political divide comes at a delicate time for Ruto, who has faced months of deadly protests over tax hikes in the disputed finance bill. The unrest, which led to more than 50 deaths, has been Ruto’s biggest crisis since assuming office in 2022.
Efforts to impeach Gachagua, who holds significant influence in Kenya’s central region, could fuel further discontent and compound the president’s challenges. Earlier this year, in a bid to stabilize his administration, Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, including appointing members from the opposition. However, critics argue that the reshuffle perpetuates the tradition of political co-opting rather than addressing citizens’ calls for meaningful reforms.
