Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies are facing escalating challenges as the reality of his dramatic ousting sets in.
Gachagua is grappling with both political and legal troubles while he fights his removal through the courts. His supporters, who have been outspoken against his impeachment and critical of President William Ruto, are not escaping the fallout either.
Ruto’s majority faction has initiated a ruthless purge of Gachagua’s allies, accusing them of undermining the President’s leadership. Plans are reportedly in place to remove these lawmakers from House leadership committees.
“If the Deputy President is charged with undermining the President, supporting him suggests you are doing the same,” a pro-government MP said confidentially.
A senior Kenya Kwanza MP indicated that actions against Gachagua’s supporters will begin immediately after the impeachment proceedings conclude.
Once resolved, sources say a Parliamentary Group meeting will be held to discuss replacements for those targeted.
“I know discussions are advanced to act as soon as the impeachment matter is settled,” the MP revealed.
Lawmakers in lucrative positions who supported the impeached Deputy President during the vote are likely to be affected, particularly those serving as chairpersons or vice-chairpersons of key committees that play a vital role in approving government policy and budget matters.
Among the DP’s allies in the National Assembly are Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, chair of the influential Trade Committee, and Githunguri MP Muthoni Wamuchomba, who leads the National Assembly Constitution and Implementation oversight committee. They were part of the 44 lawmakers who voted to support Gachagua.
In the Senate, Karungo Thang’wa and Joe Nyutu, who chair the Education and Roads committees, respectively, are also at risk.
This purge could further strain relations within Kenya Kwanza and might trigger tensions in Mt Kenya, where many targeted lawmakers are from.
Additionally, there are efforts to expel Gachagua from the ruling UDA party, effectively leaving him without party affiliation. UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar confirmed that the party no longer recognizes the impeached Deputy President, stating plans for a meeting to discuss his expulsion.
“Gachagua must recognize that the situation has changed and move on,” Omar said.
Some MPs are calling for Gachagua to be investigated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations regarding how he accumulated Sh5.2 billion in wealth within two years.
Gachagua’s impeachment carries serious consequences, including a permanent ban from holding elective or public office. He has also been summoned by the DCI over allegations of assassination attempts against him.
Should the court fail to reverse his impeachment, Gachagua will walk away empty-handed, losing all his substantial exit benefits.
