Reports suggest that a motion to remove him from office could be tabled in Parliament soon, potentially putting his position at risk before the end of the year.
This development follows rising tensions within the political landscape, particularly among lawmakers from Mt Kenya, who have expressed dissatisfaction with Gachagua's leadership style.
The push to impeach Gachagua comes after murmurs within political circles that a motion to oust him is already circulating in the National Assembly.
The process, which had initially been halted, seems to be gaining momentum once again. This resurgence follows an intervention by President William Ruto earlier in the year, when he reportedly urged lawmakers to shelve the impeachment plans. However, recent events indicate that efforts to remove Gachagua are back on track.
Sources reveal that the motion could be tabled in Parliament as early as next week, depending on how quickly its proponents are able to build a solid case. If the motion passes through the necessary stages, Gachagua could be removed from office by December 2024.
One of the strongest indications that the impeachment process is moving forward came from Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, who recently made a statement that seemed to be aimed directly at the Deputy President.
Ichung’wah, a close ally of President Ruto, used a metaphor to describe Gachagua, likening him to a "snake" that the president needed to remove from his grasp in order to effectively govern the country.
Ichung’wah’s comments were seen as a clear call for Gachagua's ouster, reflecting growing discontent among certain lawmakers.
His remarks further highlight the cracks within Kenya Kwanza, the political alliance led by President Ruto. The division is particularly evident in the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has positioned himself as the region's de facto leader, but has faced increasing resistance.
Adding to Gachagua’s political woes, 48 lawmakers from Mt Kenya recently announced their support for Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, signaling a shift in leadership preferences within the region.
The group, which convened in Nyahururu to discuss the political direction of Mt Kenya, criticized Gachagua’s leadership, accusing him of promoting divisive politics rooted in tribalism and ethnicity.
The lawmakers expressed their frustrations, claiming that Gachagua's leadership had stifled development efforts in the region. They pointed out that Mt Kenya lacked a strong leader who could effectively channel the region’s needs and priorities to the national government.
In their view, Gachagua’s approach has hindered progress, and they are now rallying behind Kindiki as the leader who can better represent their interests. As the motion nears Parliament, the political stakes are higher than ever for Gachagua.
If the motion succeeds, he could be out of office before the year ends. However, much depends on whether those pushing for his impeachment can rally enough support within the National Assembly to move the process forward.
The coming weeks are likely to be critical as the proponents of the motion work to build a case against Gachagua.
Meanwhile, the Deputy President will likely focus on consolidating his support and defending his position, as he continues to present himself as the rightful leader of Mt Kenya.
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