Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing an impeachment vote on Tuesday, as lawmakers accused him of corruption, undermining the government, and engaging in ethnically divisive politics.
A move that shows a widening rift within the ruling party, putting the country’s political landscape on edge.
At the centre of the charges is Gachagua’s alleged accumulation of assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since his election as deputy to President William Ruto in 2022—despite earning an annual salary of just $93,000.
Among the high-profile assets is the historic Treetops Hotel.
Gachagua had insisted that his wealth is legitimate, stemming from business deals and an inheritance from his late brother.
The 59-year-old businessman, a member of Kenya’s largest ethnic group, the Kikuyu, has denied the allegations, calling them “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda.”
He claimed the impeachment push is a political scheme to oust him, and warned that his removal would cause unrest among his supporters.
The impeachment motion, initiated on October 1, has garnered the support of 291 lawmakers—well beyond the 117 required to move the process forward.
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If two-thirds of the National Assembly back the vote on Tuesday, the motion will proceed to the Senate for final approval.
If successful, Gachagua would become the first deputy president to be impeached under Kenya’s 2010 constitution.
Gachagua has also been accused of backing youth-led anti-government protests that erupted in June over controversial tax hikes, further straining his relationship with President Ruto.
Several MPs allied with him have been summoned by police for allegedly funding the demonstrations.
Source: AFP
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