The National Assembly voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. A total of 281 MPs supported the motion, while 44 opposed it, and one abstained. Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse led the motion. He needed at least 233 votes for it to pass. Gachagua defended himself against 11 charges. He called them baseless and politically motivated. His remarks dismissing the motion as a witch-hunt sparked criticism. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula accused him of undermining Parliament’s authority.
The vote now moves to the Senate, which has seven days to review the charges against Gachagua. Some MPs from Central Kenya initially backed the impeachment. They later withdrew due to pressure from their constituencies, citing concerns about their political careers. Gachagua apologized to Parliament under pressure and acknowledged the House’s authority.
Gachagua denied accusations of wealth accumulation. He claimed the properties in question belonged to his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua. Also denied owning the Olive Garden Hotel. He said the hotel was part of his brother’s estate and had since been sold.
MP Mutuse accused Gachagua of coercing the sale of his brother’s properties. He also questioned a large loan secured by the Deputy President’s sons. Some MPs tried to defend Gachagua, but most believed he was responsible for his own troubles.
The Senate’s decision will decide Gachagua’s political future. This moment is crucial in the rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto. They were both elected on a Kenya Kwanza/UDA ticket in 2022.
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