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Political Earthquake in Kenya as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Faces Impeachment and Its Ripple Effects - Taarifa Rwanda
Special Report

Political Earthquake in Kenya as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Faces Impeachment and Its Ripple Effects

The ousting of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has plunged Kenya into an unprecedented political crisis, exposing deep fractures within the country’s leadership. The Senate’s decision to impeach Gachagua, a key political figure who played an instrumental role in securing President William Ruto’s election, underscores a growing power struggle within the government. Gachagua’s downfall, marked by allegations of gross constitutional violations and divisive politics, signals a turning point not just for his career but for the broader political dynamics of Kenya.

At the heart of Gachagua’s impeachment lies a bitter feud with President Ruto, a partnership that once appeared invincible. Gachagua’s influence in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region was crucial in swaying the 2022 election in Ruto’s favor. However, the relationship between the two leaders soured in recent months, with Gachagua accusing the president of sidelining him and betraying the very coalition that brought them to power. The deputy president’s frustration grew as he reportedly aligned himself with anti-government protests against tax hikes, further exacerbating tensions within the administration. This apparent rift within the ruling party not only destabilized the government but also brought to light the growing divisions in the country’s political elite.

The impeachment process itself was steeped in drama, with Gachagua hospitalized due to severe chest pains just as the Senate began its hearings. His legal team’s plea to delay the proceedings was ignored, sparking a protest walkout and raising questions about whether Gachagua’s constitutional right to defend himself was violated. This decision by the Senate, coupled with the rapidity of the lower house’s overwhelming vote to impeach him, has led to accusations that the impeachment was politically motivated and orchestrated by powerful forces within the government. Gachagua’s own comments, likening the process to “political deceit” and “betrayal,” suggest he believes his removal was not just a legal affair but a calculated political move to neutralize him as a threat to President Ruto’s authority.

Beyond the immediate political drama, Gachagua’s removal has significant implications for Kenya’s democratic institutions and regional stability. His impeachment marks the first time a deputy president has been removed under the 2010 constitution, setting a precedent for future political struggles in the country. The process also highlights the fragility of Kenya’s democracy, where power struggles within the ruling party can result in the toppling of a key leader through legislative maneuvering rather than electoral processes. This has caused widespread uncertainty, with many questioning what this means for the future of Kenya’s political landscape and the stability of a country often regarded as a democratic pillar in East Africa.

Moreover, Gachagua’s ousting has broader implications for the delicate ethnic and regional alliances that have long shaped Kenyan politics. A powerful businessman from the Kikuyu community, Gachagua’s support in the Mount Kenya region was vital to Ruto’s success. His impeachment risks alienating this crucial political bloc, potentially fracturing the alliance that brought the Ruto-Gachagua ticket to power. As names of potential successors circulate, such as Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the political calculus will inevitably involve appeasing different ethnic and regional constituencies, making Ruto’s decision critical for maintaining the cohesion of his government.

Gachagua’s next steps remain unclear. While no criminal charges have been brought against him, he retains the option to challenge the impeachment in court. Legal experts suggest that Gachagua could argue that his rights were violated when the Senate proceeded with the trial despite his health issues, raising potential procedural concerns. If Gachagua does decide to fight the impeachment, it could drag Kenya into a prolonged legal and political battle, further deepening the uncertainty gripping the nation.

In the meantime, political tensions continue to simmer. Kenya has been grappling with widespread protests over economic policies, and Gachagua’s impeachment adds another layer of volatility to an already fragile situation. With the country’s leadership in flux, there is an urgent need for stability and reconciliation. Gachagua’s parting words to his supporters, calling for peace despite his removal, are a stark reminder of the fragility of Kenya’s current political climate, and the potential consequences should these tensions escalate.

As the country awaits President Ruto’s next move, the nation’s focus shifts to who will fill the void left by Gachagua’s departure, and whether this transition can restore stability or deepen the fault lines already visible in Kenya’s body politic.

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