Inside Night Meetings To Impeach DP Gachagua

A group of Kenyan lawmakers has initiated discussions aimed at impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The push for his ouster comes amidst growing dissatisfaction within political circles, with both opposition MPs and some from the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition calling for his removal. Recent meetings held in Nairobi have signaled a concerted effort to build the necessary political momentum for the impeachment process.

The effort to impeach Gachagua, who has served as Deputy President since the 2022 general election, stems from accusations that he is undermining President William Ruto's agenda and promoting a divisive leadership style. These concerns were raised during a secretive meeting held in a Nairobi hotel on Tuesday night, where MPs reportedly discussed strategies to advance the impeachment motion.

Those seeking Gachagua’s removal argue that his approach to leadership has polarized certain regions of the country and alienated key figures within the government. In particular, they claim that his rhetoric has consistently favored specific communities at the expense of national unity, further complicating efforts to build a cohesive government. Gachagua’s critics within the Kenya Kwanza coalition are especially concerned that his actions could harm the ruling coalition’s electoral prospects in future elections

“Some MPs feel that Gachagua has repeatedly broken ranks with the government’s broader goals and has undermined key partnerships,” noted an insider familiar with the ongoing meetings. They emphasized that while Gachagua played a crucial role in securing the Mount Kenya vote for Ruto in the 2022 election, his continued influence is now viewed as a liability by some of his colleagues in government.

A major point of contention is Gachagua’s close alignment with Mount Kenya interests, which some MPs argue has led to the marginalization of other regions. This perception, combined with his public statements that some say have further inflamed political tensions, has fueled the push for his impeachment.

The group of MPs leading the charge for Gachagua’s removal includes notable figures from both the opposition and the ruling coalition. Those in attendance during the Tuesday night meeting included a mix of veteran legislators and political newcomers, all of whom share the view that Gachagua’s continued presence as Deputy President threatens to derail key government initiatives.

One of the key challenges facing the group is consolidating enough support to pass an impeachment motion in parliament. Kenya’s constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly to successfully impeach a Deputy President. While this is a significant hurdle, the MPs involved in the process are optimistic that they can gather the necessary numbers.

“We know this won’t be easy, but there is growing frustration, even within the ruling party, over Gachagua’s approach to leadership. If we can unite both sides of the political divide, we believe we can move forward with the impeachment,” said a source involved in the discussions.

The push to oust Gachagua has inevitably caused ripples within the Kenya Kwanza government. Gachagua remains a key figure in the administration, and his removal would mark a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. President William Ruto, who handpicked Gachagua as his running mate, is expected to resist any attempts to remove his deputy.

However, the political friction between Gachagua and other senior officials, including some cabinet members, has been growing in recent months. Some believe that his abrasive style and penchant for controversial remarks have damaged the government’s image, particularly in regions where the administration is already struggling to maintain support.

In the meantime, the political intrigue surrounding the potential impeachment of Gachagua continues to build. As discussions progress, all eyes will be on the National Assembly to see whether the MPs pushing for his ouster can muster enough support to initiate the impeachment process. For now, the fate of Kenya’s second-in-command hangs in the balance, as political maneuvering intensifies behind the scenes.