Ruto’s Silence Speaks Volumes as Gachagua’s Impeachment Motion Gains Momentum
By Teddy Namayanja
Kenyan President William Ruto’s silence on the calls for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment is quite intriguing. Gachagua is facing gross accusations of violating the constitution, promoting ethnically divisive politics, undermining President Ruto, and playing a role in the anti-government uprisings between June and July. To remove him from office, a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate is required, as per the Kenyan Constitution.
Kubwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse initiated the motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on September 26, seeking a resolution from the National Assembly. But it seems the actual motion was tabled earlier, on September 18, 2024.
Mutuse listed 11 reasons for Gachagua’s removal and garnered support from 291 Members of Parliament, surpassing the required 117 signatures to meet the constitutional threshold. This development sets the stage for a potential impeachment process.
According to the Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, the Deputy President can be removed from office either through impeachment or due to mental and physical incapacity.
Yesterday, National Assembly Moses Wetangula directed a public participation exercise to be held across all 44 counties in this October 4. This public hearing will take place from 8:00am to 5:00pm, allowing citzens to share their views on the matter.
Come October 8, Gachauga will face an impeachment hearing, where he can choose to defend himself in person or through his legal representation.
This isn’t the first time President Ruto has taken a silent approach. We saw a similar scenario with Dr. Peter Mathuki, the former EAC Secretary-General, who was recalled by Ruto amidst an impeachment campaign due to missing funds from the EAC Secretariat’s Peace Fund. Ruto instead appointed Mathuki as Ambassador of Kenya to Russia, which the Kenyan National Assembly later confirmed.
The impeachment push has significant implications for Kenya’s political landscape, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon. Gachagua’s fate could lead to unexpected realignments and shifting alliances within the government.
Key Allegations against Gachagua:
- Promoting Ethnically Divisive Politics
- Undermining President Ruto
- Role in Anti-Government Uprising
- Violation of the constitution.
We’re keeping an eye on how this situation unfolds, as it may shape Kenya’s political future.
