Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing the biggest political battle of his career as the National Assembly prepares to vote on his impeachment motion on Tuesday, October 8. Despite his efforts to block the process, including legal petitions and public appeals, Gachagua is running out of options, with his political future hanging in the balance.
Highlights:
- The High Court recently declined to halt public participation in Gachagua’s impeachment motion.
- Gachagua has publicly pleaded for forgiveness from President William Ruto.
- If impeached, Gachagua’s political career will likely come to an end, as he will be barred from holding future public office.
On Sunday, Gachagua made an unexpected move by asking President William Ruto for forgiveness in a bid to cool political tensions. This gesture came as a surprise given Gachagua’s previous defiant stance. Many see this as a strategic attempt to safeguard his career, with the Deputy President aware that an impeachment would deal a fatal blow to his ambitions.
Impeachment Threatens Gachagua’s Career
The impeachment motion has been brewing for weeks, with Gachagua facing multiple charges, including allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and misrepresentation of facts. Despite hiring top lawyers and launching a legal challenge, his attempts to derail the motion have so far been unsuccessful. His legal team filed a petition in court, arguing that the process was flawed and lacked adequate public participation, but the courts declined to issue a ruling halting the impeachment proceedings.
According to Chapter 6, Clause 2 of the Kenyan Constitution on Leadership and Integrity, a public official removed from office for misconduct is disqualified from holding any future public office. This constitutional provision is the primary reason Gachagua is fighting tooth and nail to prevent his impeachment. If the National Assembly votes in favour of his ouster, it would not only remove him from the Deputy President’s office but also block him from future political opportunities.
Gachagua Turns to Legal Heavyweight for Help
In a final effort to save his career, Gachagua has turned to renowned lawyer Paul Muite. The legal expert brings a wealth of experience, having previously defended former Embu Governor Martin Wambora in a similar impeachment process. Muite successfully argued that the process lacked proper public participation, helping Wambora retain his position as governor. Gachagua hopes that Muite can work the same magic in his case.
Muite is also well-known for representing former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the electoral petitions in 2013 and 2017, which further boosts Gachagua’s chances. However, with the impeachment vote just days away, time is not on Gachagua’s side, and the odds remain stacked against him.
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As political tensions rise and the clock ticks toward the crucial vote, Gachagua’s fate will soon be decided. If impeached, it will mark the end of his political journey, as the Constitution will prevent him from holding any state office in the future. With his political survival at stake, all eyes are now on the National Assembly as Kenya waits to see if the Deputy President can weather this storm.