There appears to be a renewed effort to oust Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office. Approximately 69 MPs, primarily from Mt. Kenya, have expressed support for Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as the new leader for the region.
Gachagua, who was elected Deputy President in 2022, is facing allegations of being high-handed and sectarian, but these claims alone hardly justify impeachment. Similar accusations could be leveled against many politicians who aren’t currently facing such motions.
After the 2017 elections, President Uhuru Kenyatta criticized his then-Deputy William Ruto for “tanga tanga,” which meant campaigning prematurely across the country. This was widely viewed as unjust, and Ruto managed to serve out his term, later winning the presidency in 2022.
Even if Gachagua is attempting to position himself as the Mt. Kenya kingpin or is secretly planning a presidential bid, is that grounds for impeachment? Has his behavior diverged significantly from that of past vice presidents?
If Ruto or the Mt. Kenya MPs wish to replace Gachagua, they should wait until 2027, when the President can select a new running mate. Until then, any motion for impeachment seems premature and unwarranted.
