On Tuesday, October 9, 281 members of Kenya’s National Assembly voted in favor of a motion seeking to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The vote marks a significant step in the impeachment process, as it moves the matter to the Senate for further deliberation. This high-stakes political event has captured the nation’s attention, with many awaiting the outcome of the Senate’s plenary session set for next week.
The National Assembly Vote
The impeachment motion was introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who listed a series of allegations against Deputy President Gachagua. These allegations include:
- Gross violation of the Constitution
- Undermining the President and the Cabinet
- Undermining the devolution process
- Compromising judicial independence by attacking a judge publicly
During the vote, 281 MPs supported the motion, 44 opposed it, and one abstained. The National Assembly’s decision was swiftly communicated by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who directed the Clerk to forward the matter to the Senate for further proceedings. If the Senate votes in favor of the impeachment, Deputy President Gachagua could be removed from office.
Gachagua’s Alleged Resignation
In the aftermath of the National Assembly vote, reports circulated on social media claiming that Deputy President Gachagua had tendered his resignation. A letter, purportedly written by Gachagua, appeared to confirm his decision to step down from office. According to the letter, the Deputy President allegedly resigned because he believed the Senate would unanimously vote in favor of his impeachment.
FOLLOW OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL FOR MORE UPDATES
The letter reportedly stated that Gachagua could no longer serve in good conscience under the circumstances. It suggested that while Gachagua maintained his innocence regarding the charges, he had decided to leave office rather than prolong the impeachment process and potentially harm his political career.
The letter read in part:
“I am writing to tender my resignation from my position as Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, effective immediately. It is with a heavy heart that I make this decision, but I believe it is in the best interest of both my conscience and the people I serve. I have been reliably informed that the Senate will proceed to vote unanimously in favor of my impeachment.”
The letter went on to express Gachagua’s desire to continue serving Kenya in other capacities, stating that his decision to resign was driven by a desire to uphold his personal values.
Fact-Checking the Alleged Resignation
Despite the widespread circulation of the letter, a fact-check by KenyaTrends revealed that the resignation was not authentic. According to the fact-check, all official communications from the Office of the Deputy President are handled by the Deputy President Communication Services through designated channels. As of October 10, there had been no official announcement regarding Gachagua’s resignation.
Instead, the last communication from the Deputy President’s official social media accounts consisted of Bible verses, posted after the impeachment vote in the National Assembly. Gachagua shared the following verses:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- Jeremiah 30:19 – “From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.”
Gachagua’s posts, including his brief statement “It is well,” suggest that he is maintaining a positive outlook despite the challenging political situation.
Gachagua’s Stance on the Impeachment
Prior to the National Assembly vote, Deputy President Gachagua had firmly stated that he would not resign from his position. On Monday, October 9, during a press conference, he rejected calls for his resignation from some members of the public and political figures. He emphasized his electoral mandate, stating:
“I was elected by 7.2 million Kenyans; how dare you suggest I resign without public participation? I have no intention of resigning from this job, I will fight until the end.”
Gachagua expressed confidence in his ability to clear his name, asserting that he had done nothing wrong. He reiterated his commitment to his role as Deputy President, vowing to defend his position in the Senate and continue fulfilling his duties.
The Road Ahead: The Senate Hearing
With the matter now set to go before the Senate, Gachagua will have an opportunity to defend himself against the impeachment charges. The Senate will conduct a plenary hearing, during which the accusations against the Deputy President will be scrutinized. If the Senate votes to uphold the National Assembly’s decision, Gachagua could be removed from office, marking a significant turning point in Kenyan politics.
The Senate’s role in the impeachment process is critical, as it serves as the final stage in determining whether Gachagua will remain in office or be ousted. The outcome of the Senate vote will not only shape the future of Gachagua’s political career but could also have broader implications for the country’s political landscape.
Broader Political Context
The impeachment motion against Deputy President Gachagua has sparked intense political debate in Kenya. Some view the motion as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the government, while others believe it is a politically motivated attempt to undermine the Deputy President.
The charges against Gachagua, particularly those related to undermining the President and the Cabinet, have raised questions about the relationship between Gachagua and President William Ruto. Although the two were running mates in the 2022 general elections, there have been reports of growing tensions between them. The impeachment motion has further fueled speculation about internal divisions within the ruling coalition.
The impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has become a major political event in Kenya, with 281 MPs voting in favor of his removal from office. While reports of his resignation have been debunked, Gachagua will now face the Senate, where the final decision on his fate will be made. As the nation waits for the Senate’s hearing, Gachagua remains resolute, determined to defend his position and continue serving as Deputy President.
Whether Gachagua will survive the impeachment process or be removed from office remains to be seen, but the outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for Kenyan politics.
FOLLOW OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL FOR MORE UPDATES
SHARE THIS POST