Tensions are rising in Kenya's political scene as two ODM Members of Parliament, Junet Mohamed and Peter Kaluma, are reportedly planning to table a motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The revelations were made by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala on Sunday, September 22, 2024, during a church service at the PEFA Church in Thika Town, Kiambu County. The move is expected to ignite a fierce political battle between supporters of the Deputy President and those opposed to him.
While addressing the congregation, Malala warned President William Ruto that impeaching Gachagua could have long-term political consequences. According to him, the same MPs leading the charge to impeach the Deputy President could eventually turn against Ruto himself.
“I have been informed that the MPs being fronted to table the impeachment motion against Gachagua are Junet Mohamed and Peter Kaluma,” Malala claimed. “Mr. President, these MPs will start by impeaching Gachagua, and eventually, they will come for you in 2027.”
Malala’s comments reflected growing tension within the Kenya Kwanza administration, with several factions reportedly dissatisfied with how things have been running.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who was also present at the church service, strongly supported Malala's remarks. Wamuchomba, a vocal supporter of the Deputy President, claimed that a group of politicians had been working tirelessly to plot Gachagua’s downfall.
"There are people who wake up every day plotting how to ensure Gachagua doesn’t succeed," Wamuchomba lamented. "These are the same individuals who have now teamed up with ODM leaders to push for his impeachment."
Wamuchomba also reminded President Ruto of the close partnership he had with Gachagua during the difficult 2022 election campaigns. She argued that Gachagua had proven to be a loyal deputy, who should be supported rather than ousted.
"Mr. President, I want you to remember the struggle we endured during the campaign to win the presidency. Now, there are those who want to chase away the Deputy President. In Mount Kenya, we value loyalty and despise betrayal," she said passionately, drawing cheers from the congregation.
The impeachment push comes amid growing signs of tension between President Ruto and his Deputy. On Friday, Gachagua appeared on television, giving a candid interview about the state of his relationship with Ruto.
The Deputy President admitted that he had been sidelined in recent months, with many key decisions being made without his input. He went on to reveal that he felt isolated from important state functions and that some of Ruto’s allies were working against him.
During the interview, Gachagua also expressed regret over his fierce opposition to ODM leader Raila Odinga during the 2022 election campaign. He mentioned feeling betrayed now that Ruto and Odinga had made peace after months of political animosity.
These statements were viewed by many as an indication that all was not well within the Kenya Kwanza government. Gachagua’s absence from recent major state functions had already raised eyebrows, fueling speculation about a growing rift between him and the President.
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