The political landscape in Kenya took a significant turn recently when a motion for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was tabled in Parliament. The move, led by opposition leaders and some members of the ruling coalition, has sparked intense debate across the country. The motion lists several reasons, from alleged abuse of office to disagreements on governance, which have caused division within government circles. Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind the impeachment motion against Gachagua.
1. Alleged Abuse of Office
One of the main charges outlined in the impeachment motion is Gachagua’s alleged abuse of office. It’s claimed that he has used his position to benefit personally or those close to him through questionable deals and contracts. The Deputy President has faced scrutiny over his influence in certain government projects, with accusations suggesting that his office has been used to favor allies at the expense of transparency and accountability.
Critics argue that his involvement in tender processes and public appointments goes against ethical governance, making him unsuitable to continue serving as Deputy President.
2. Corruption Allegations
Corruption allegations against Gachagua have been longstanding and were a significant issue even before he became Deputy President. The impeachment motion reignites these claims, pointing to accusations that he has been linked to graft cases during his time in public service. Although the Deputy President has maintained his innocence and has not been convicted of any crime, the opposition claims that the unresolved corruption scandals continue to damage public trust and the integrity of the office.
3. Political Instability and Divisive Politics
Another core reason presented in the impeachment motion is Gachagua’s perceived role in fostering political instability. Some MPs accuse the Deputy President of engaging in divisive politics and undermining the spirit of national unity. His statements at public rallies have been criticized as inflammatory, often pitting different groups and regions against each other.
Opponents argue that instead of promoting unity in a country with a history of ethnic tension, Gachagua has become a polarizing figure, contributing to a fragmented political environment. They claim his approach has created challenges for the government in implementing key national agendas.
4. Disagreements with the President
A notable and more recent reason for the impeachment motion is the alleged rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto. There have been reports of disagreements between the two over policy directions, appointments, and governance strategies. According to insiders, these differences have reached a point where their working relationship is strained, leading to dysfunction within the government.
The impeachment motion highlights how this discord is affecting the government’s ability to function efficiently, as it creates a power struggle that destabilizes the administration’s performance. Proponents of the motion argue that Kenya cannot afford internal power conflicts within its highest offices, especially given the economic challenges the country is facing.
5. Failure to Uphold Constitutional Duties
The impeachment motion also accuses Gachagua of failing to uphold the constitutional duties of his office. Critics claim that he has overstepped his bounds by acting in ways that are inconsistent with the responsibilities of the Deputy President. Instead of being a supportive partner to the President, the motion suggests that Gachagua has taken a more antagonistic role, prioritizing personal political ambitions over the collective agenda of the government.
6. Public Outcry
Lastly, the impeachment process has been driven by public outcry in some quarters. A section of the Kenyan public, particularly opposition supporters, have expressed dissatisfaction with Gachagua’s performance and public conduct. They have accused him of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary Kenyans, especially at a time when the country is dealing with high levels of unemployment, inflation, and economic hardship. This mounting frustration has further fueled the push for his impeachment.
