Kenya’s parliament has initiated a move to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for alleged constitutional violations, following reports of growing tensions between him and President William Ruto. On Tuesday, supporters of President Ruto made a historic political move by officially beginning the process to impeach Gachagua.
Since March, Kenya has faced political unrest marked by deadly protests over inflation, price hikes, and unpopular tax increases. Gachagua has been accused by lawmakers of stoking ethnic tensions and undermining the government. There are also allegations of a rift between him and Ruto, with Gachagua claiming he has been sidelined. He has also denied involvement in the violent anti-government protests earlier this year.
The impeachment motion lists 11 grounds for removal, including accusations that Gachagua, who earns an annual salary of $93,000, amassed a fortune of 5.2 billion shillings (about $40 million) in less than two years. The motion was filed by Mutuse Eckomas Mwengi, a legislator from the ruling coalition, and has gained the support of 291 members of parliament, far exceeding the required 117 signatures.
Mwengi cited Kenya’s well-known Treetops Hotel as evidence, stating, “Gachagua has inexplicably amassed a massive property portfolio… primarily from suspected proceeds of corruption and money laundering.” Many members of Ruto’s coalition were angered by Gachagua’s remarks comparing the government to a business and implying that coalition supporters should be given priority for public sector jobs.
Kenya’s Labour Minister Alfred Mutua expressed his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “As a nation, we must say NO to divisive tribal drums that perpetuate inequality, ethnic tensions, and hate. Kenyans need to decide it’s time to say enough. No leader should be allowed to incite violence, enslave Kenyans through shady business dealings, or plot coups. That’s why this motion to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is about protecting Kenya as a nation, not politics.”
The impeachment motion will face another discussion and vote next Tuesday before being sent to the Senate for further deliberation. If passed, Gachagua will become the first deputy president in Kenya’s history to be impeached since the 2010 constitution was enacted.
The last time a similar vote occurred in Kenya’s history was in 1989 when then Vice President Josephat Karanja resigned after being presented with an impeachment vote.