Banking & Finance
Gachagua Impeached: Kenya Faces Political Turmoil
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua impeached by Senate; tensions rise as Kenya enters uncharted political and constitutional territory.
Kenya’s Gachagua Impeached: Crisis or Constitutional Strength?
In a historic and politically charged decision, Kenya’s Senate voted on October 17, 2024, to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, marking the first time such action has been taken under the 2010 Constitution.
This unprecedented move threatens to upend Kenya’s political balance, already shaken by recent nationwide protests over a controversial finance bill that ignited anger over rising living costs and alleged government overreach.
Observers suggest that the impeachment offers President William Ruto a political opening to consolidate power—but at a cost.
Both Ruto and Gachagua hail from the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities, respectively—two blocs that have long dominated post-independence leadership. Analysts fear this fracture may now fuel ethnic polarization within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“Gachagua’s supporters will see this as betrayal,” said Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group. “Ruto could pay a political price for sidelining him.”
While Gachagua faced 11 charges, including corruption, money laundering, and undermining the judiciary, the impeachment process has been labeled by some as politically motivated.
“The deputy president is elected with the president, not appointed,” argued activist George Towett Diano, a victim of abduction during recent protests.
“They entered together—they should leave together.”
Despite mounting public discontent, President Ruto remained silent during the proceedings, which many believe implies silent approval. Given Kenya Kwanza’s commanding majority in Parliament, the Senate’s vote to uphold five of the charges appeared a foregone conclusion.
Gachagua did not appear before the Senate, citing chest pains. His legal team walked out in protest, yet proceedings continued. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared:
“Mr. Gachagua now ceases to hold office.”
In a swift follow-up, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki was nominated as the new deputy president. The move sparked backlash, especially from human rights groups, due to Kindiki’s role in the government’s crackdown on protests earlier this year.
At least 60 protestors were reportedly killed, and hundreds more arrested or tortured. Though the National Assembly confirmed Kindiki’s nomination, the High Court has issued a temporary injunction pending a judicial review of Gachagua’s ouster—delaying Kindiki’s swearing-in until October 24, 2024.
Gachagua’s rapid fall from grace underscores his strained relationship with Ruto, worsened by rumors that he financed anti-tax demonstrations.
Although he denied the allegations, Ruto’s political rapprochement with opposition leader Raila Odinga after the protests appeared to accelerate Gachagua’s marginalization.
This situation echoes past tensions between presidents and their deputies, such as Ruto’s own fallout with Uhuru Kenyatta, his former boss.
Gachagua becomes the first deputy president formally impeached under Kenya’s progressive 2010 Constitution.
Despite its polarizing nature, the impeachment is seen by some as a testament to the robustness of Kenya’s democratic institutions.
“This is a strong institutional moment,” Mutiga noted. “But the political fallout will be significant.”
With public protests erupting across universities, airports, and other key infrastructure, the question remains: Will Gachagua accept defeat or launch a legal and political comeback?
