Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is standing his ground as the National Assembly prepares to debate a motion to impeach him. Accused of corruption, misuse of state resources, and defiance of Cabinet decisions, Gachagua remains defiant, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated.
Key Points:
- The impeachment motion, filed by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, accuses Gachagua of accumulating Ksh5.2 billion through 22 companies.
- Gachagua defended himself, claiming that some of the properties in question belonged to his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.
- Allegations of defying a Cabinet resolution over evictions along the Nairobi River form part of the charges, but Gachagua insists his only objection was to the insufficient compensation for those affected.
- The impeachment vote requires two-thirds support in both the National Assembly and Senate to succeed.
Impeachment Allegations and Gachagua’s Response
The impeachment motion accuses Gachagua of corruption, including benefiting from state tenders and accumulating wealth through 22 companies. Gachagua dismissed these claims as a political ploy, attributing properties like Vipingo Beach Resort Ltd. and Olive Gardens to his late brother. “These are my brother’s properties, not mine,” Gachagua explained, describing the charges as a smear campaign aimed at removing him from office.
Gachagua also faced accusations of defying a Cabinet resolution about evictions along the Nairobi River. He clarified his position, stating that his objection was solely about the compensation offered to displaced families, which he deemed inadequate. “I raised concerns about the Ksh10,000 compensation—it wasn’t about defying the President,” Gachagua noted.
Public Resources and KEMSA Controversy
The impeachment motion includes claims of misuse of public resources, including allegations that Gachagua profited from dubious tenders and excessive renovations at his official residences. The Deputy President defended the renovations as fully lawful and approved by Parliament. “The renovations were legal, and the Auditor General found no issues,” he argued.
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) scandal also features prominently in the motion. Gachagua was accused of involvement in irregular mosquito net tenders, but he has denied any connection to the companies implicated. “I had no hand in these tenders, nor any ties to the firms involved,” he stressed.
The Road Ahead: Will Gachagua Survive?
To oust Gachagua, two-thirds of both the National Assembly and Senate must vote in favour of the motion. If passed, the Deputy President will be disqualified from holding any future public office, as per Kenya’s Constitution.
As the impeachment debate heats up, Gachagua remains confident, pledging to face Parliament and defend his record. “I will be there. Let the people hear my side,” he declared, promising to fight until the end. All eyes are now on the upcoming vote to see if Gachagua can weather this political storm or if his impeachment will mark the end of his career.
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