Under the bus

Kenya’s parliament voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on charges of self-enrichment and inciting ethnic hatred. The motion…

Kenya’s parliament voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on charges of self-enrichment and inciting ethnic hatred. The motion passed with 281 members in favour, surpassing the two-thirds majority required while 44 voted against, and one abstained. Gachagua, who denies the charges, played a key role in securing President William Ruto’s 2022 election victory but has since expressed concerns about being sidelined. Parliament’s majority leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, accused him of violating eight constitutional provisions. This impeachment comes amid reports of a rift between Gachagua and Ruto as political alliances shift.

Kenya’s 13th Parliament has taken a bold step to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, exposing the deepening rifts within the executive and the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition. Gachagua’s desperate attempt to file over 10 petitions in court last week, only to be rejected, marks a historic moment: he’s the first state official to face impeachment under Kenya’s 2010 constitution. Gachagua’s troubles began when he was accused of siding with protesters during the nationwide demonstrations against unpopular tax hikes earlier this year. In a televised outburst at the height of the turmoil, he blamed the security services for the unrest. President William Ruto dissolved his cabinet and brought in several opposition members to pacify protesters, gaining some legitimacy from the political class. However, this sidelined his own vice president, whose support was crucial for winning votes in the populous Central region during the 2022 elections. Gachagua angered many in Ruto’s camp by likening the government to a company and claiming that coalition supporters have the first right to public sector jobs and development projects. This undermines the responsible image Ruto has tried to project since the protests. Ruto’s decision to sideline the alliance that brought him to power may be a strategic move to build another coalition for the 2027 elections. Gachagua’s camp likely understands this, which could explain their protests. But the corruption charges against Gachagua appear comical and politically motivated, especially since Ruto, who chose him as his running mate, promised to defend him against such allegations, unlike former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s treatment of Ruto. It’s unclear whether President William Ruto will step in to save his deputy. Many view the drama as a distraction for Kenyans still angry over the treatment of protesters, as well as scandals like the Indian firm Adani’s secretive takeover bid for Nairobi’s international airport and the chaotic launch of a new health insurance system. Gachagua’s ousting could trigger unrest among his Kikuyu supporters, Kenya’s largest ethnic group, leading to protests or instability that could impact regional security. As East Africa’s largest economy, accounting for over 40% of the region’s GDP and serving as a critical transportation hub, Kenya’s political turmoil could also affect trade and neighbouring nations. Approximately 80% of regional trade flows through the Port of Mombasa, making Kenya integral to the economic lifeline of countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. The country is often viewed as a frontline defence against terrorist threats, particularly from groups like Al-Shabaab operating in Somalia. This situation is further complicated by the influx of refugees from conflict-ridden areas, which has historically strained Kenya’s resources and security apparatus. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.