Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to vigorously contest impeachment proceedings that accuse him of personal enrichment, inciting ethnic division, and undermining the government.
This declaration comes ahead of a parliamentary hearing scheduled for Tuesday, where he is expected to defend himself against these allegations.
Gachagua, who played a significant role in securing votes from the influential Mount Kenya region for President William Ruto’s 2022 election campaign, claims he has since been marginalized as political dynamics have shifted.
Ruto recently reshuffled his cabinet, incorporating members from the opposition following widespread protests against unpopular tax increases, which resulted in over 50 fatalities during June and July.
The high court has denied Gachagua’s appeal to halt the impeachment process initiated by Ruto’s coalition allies last week.
Unwilling to resign, Gachagua stated at a news conference on Monday, “I am innocent of all these charges,” while detailing his denial of the claims that involve acquiring a significant unexplained property portfolio and fostering “ethnic balkanization.”
He added, “I have no intention whatsoever to resign from this job. I will fight to the end.”
Ruto has remained silent regarding the impeachment proceedings, which gained momentum after more than 80% of lawmakers endorsed the motion on October 1.
If the National Assembly votes to impeach by a two-thirds majority, the Senate will then review the motion for confirmation by the same margin.
Gachagua has angered many within Ruto’s coalition by comparing the government to a business, suggesting that those who voted for the coalition should receive priority for public sector jobs and development initiatives.
He asserted, “I have done nothing wrong against the people of Kenya. I have worked hard. I have been very loyal to my boss, President William Ruto.”
Source-Reuters
