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Kenya’s Deputy President Gachagua Faces Impeachment Over Corruption Allegations

Kehinde Fajobi

Kenya’s parliament is set to vote on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following accusations of corruption, undermining the government, and promoting ethnically divisive politics. The move has exposed deep divisions within the ruling party.

At a press conference on Monday, Gachagua dismissed the allegations as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda,” claiming they are part of a plot to force him out of office. Gachagua, a businessman from the Kikuyu tribe, has faced corruption accusations in the past but became Deputy President after a tightly contested election in August 2022.

In recent weeks, tensions between Gachagua and President William Ruto have intensified, with Gachagua alleging he is being sidelined by his boss. He has also been accused of supporting youth-led anti-government protests that erupted in June over unpopular tax increases. Several MPs allied with Gachagua were recently questioned by police, accused of financing the protests.

No formal charges have been filed against Gachagua, but lawmakers have listed 11 reasons for his impeachment, including claims he amassed assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since the election, despite his annual salary of $93,000. Among his alleged assets is Kenya’s famous Treetops Hotel, where then-Princess Elizabeth was staying when she became queen.

Gachagua insists his wealth comes from legitimate business ventures and an inheritance from his late brother, warning that his removal could spark unrest among his supporters.

The impeachment process began on October 1, with 291 MPs backing the motion, far surpassing the required 117. If two-thirds of the National Assembly support the motion, it will move to the Senate. Gachagua could become the first deputy president to be removed under Kenya’s 2010 constitution.

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