Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent impeachment has captivated both domestic and international attention, as the political relationship between him and President William Ruto has regressed from unity to antagonism.
Gachagua’s impeachment marks a landmark development in Kenyan politics, marking the first time a deputy president has been removed through impeachment under the country’s 2010 constitution. The significance of this event, however, extends beyond just the historic first; it highlights the dynamics within Kenya’s political system and the fragile alliance that once bound Ruto and Gachagua, with profound implications for the future of governance in the country.
The political partnership between Ruto and Gachagua dates back to the run-up to the 2022 general election, when the two politicians allied to form a coalition that promised change and progress for Kenya. Both hailed from the Rift Valley and central regions of Kenya, traditionally powerful constituencies, and together, they forged the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, a coalition aimed at unifying the nation’s largest voting blocs and presenting a united front against the established political elite.
Their electoral success represented a significant shift in Kenyan politics, as they promised to usher in economic reforms and address corruption, long-standing issues that had plagued previous administrations.
In August 2022, Ruto and Gachagua defied expectations by winning the presidential race, triumphing over opposition leader Raila Odinga, who was widely seen as the front-runner. As Ruto assumed the presidency, Gachagua took on the role of deputy, a position with substantial responsibility and visibility. Their partnership, however, would soon begin to unravel, as the realities of governance exposed underlying tensions and ideological differences that would eventually culminate in Gachagua’s impeachment.
Cracks in the Coalition: The Early Signs of Conflict
As the newly elected administration began implementing its agenda, it became apparent that Ruto and Gachagua had diverging views on key policy issues. Tensions first emerged when Gachagua voiced concerns over the administration’s decision to increase taxes, a policy move that faced significant public opposition, particularly from the youth.
The proposed tax hikes were a part of the government’s broader economic plan, intended to increase revenue and address Kenya’s national debt. However, Gachagua openly criticized the policy, arguing that it would place an undue burden on ordinary Kenyans, especially in a challenging economic climate.
This public dissent marked the first major rift between the two leaders, as Gachagua’s opposition was seen by many as undermining the government’s unified front. Further exacerbating this strain, Gachagua was accused of supporting anti-government protests led by young Kenyans during the June and July demonstrations against the tax increases. While the protests ultimately led to Ruto shelving the tax bill, the damage to their relationship had already been done.
The discord between Ruto and Gachagua deepened in subsequent months as allegations of misconduct surfaced. Gachagua faced 11 charges, including accusations of corruption, money laundering, inciting ethnic violence, and undermining the authority of the government. Among the most serious allegations were charges that he had been involved in ethnically divisive politics, using his influence to stir up unrest in certain communities and undermining the president’s agenda.
The accusations against Gachagua were particularly damaging, as they painted a picture of a deputy president who was actively working against his own administration. This narrative was compounded by accusations that Gachagua had interfered with the operations of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), allegedly blaming the Director-General for failing to adequately inform Ruto about the public discontent during the tax protests. This act was perceived as an attempt by Gachagua to shift blame away from himself while discrediting key figures within the government’s security apparatus.
Gachagua rejected all the charges against him, asserting that they were politically motivated and that he was being targeted for his dissent against certain government policies. His defiance, however, only strengthened the resolve of those within the administration who viewed him as a disruptive force. As tensions escalated, the calls for Gachagua’s impeachment grew louder, and the political machinery began to turn toward his removal.
The Impeachment Process and the Senate’s Decision
In early October 2024, the National Assembly tabled a motion to impeach Gachagua, listing the charges against him and accusing him of gross violations of the constitution. The impeachment process quickly moved through the lower house of parliament, where lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of removing the deputy president. The motion then proceeded to the Senate, where Gachagua faced a high-stakes trial that would determine his political fate.
During the Senate trial, Gachagua maintained his innocence, denying each of the charges brought against him. However, he was notably absent from the proceedings on the final day, with his lawyers citing a sudden illness that prevented him from attending.
Despite his absence, the Senate moved forward with the impeachment vote, ultimately finding him guilty on five of the eleven charges. This verdict was sufficient to remove Gachagua from office, ending his tenure as deputy president in a dramatic and unprecedented fashion.
Public Reaction and Social Unrest
The impeachment of Gachagua sent shockwaves throughout Kenya, sparking widespread debate and, in some areas, public unrest. Social media was flooded with commentary from Kenyans who expressed both support and opposition to the decision. In Gachagua’s home region of Mount Kenya, many of his supporters took to the streets to protest his removal, decrying what they perceived as a politically motivated attack on their representative. Some even called for the impeachment of President Ruto, arguing that if Gachagua was guilty of misconduct, the president should be held accountable as well.
The protests quickly escalated, with clashes breaking out between supporters and opponents of Gachagua in several regions. The demonstrations highlighted the deep-seated divisions within Kenyan society and underscored the ongoing challenges facing the Ruto administration as it seeks to maintain stability and unity. The public reaction to Gachagua’s impeachment also revealed the complex relationship between political leaders and their constituencies, with many Kenyans viewing the impeachment as a betrayal of the promises made during the 2022 election campaign.
Meanwhile, the fallout between Ruto and Gachagua highlights the role of communal politics in Kenya, where ethnic and regional affiliations often play a central role in shaping political alliances. Gachagua, a Kikuyu from central Kenya, brought significant support from his community to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, contributing to Ruto’s electoral victory. However, the strain in their relationship exposed the fragility of such alliances, as loyalty to ethnic and regional groups can sometimes outweigh loyalty to the national government.
As Ruto’s alliance with Gachagua deteriorated, the President turned to opposition leader Raila Odinga, a move that was seen by many as a strategic attempt to secure support from Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and its strong regional base in western Kenya. This shift in alliances reflects the fluid nature of Kenyan politics, where coalitions are often formed and dissolved based on immediate political needs rather than long-term ideological commitments.
A New Chapter in Kenyan Politics
The impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua marks a turning point in Kenyan politics, signaling a shift in the country’s leadership dynamics and a potential reconfiguration of political alliances. The historic removal of a deputy president through impeachment has sent a clear message about the standards of accountability expected of public officials, even as it has raised questions about the motivations behind such actions.
The impeachment of Gachagua has significant implications for Kenya’s political atmosphere and governance. Firstly, it sets a precedent for the accountability of high-ranking officials, demonstrating that even those in the highest offices are not immune from legal scrutiny. However, it also raises questions about the independence of Kenya’s institutions, as many observers have speculated that the impeachment process may have been influenced by political considerations rather than purely legal ones.
For President Ruto, the removal of Gachagua from office provides an opportunity to consolidate his power and refocus his administration on his policy agenda. However, it also poses risks, as the backlash from Gachagua’s supporters could fuel further political instability. Ruto will need to navigate this delicate situation carefully to avoid alienating key constituencies and to maintain his administration’s legitimacy in the eyes of the public.
The rift between Ruto and Gachagua is reminiscent of previous political fallouts in Kenya, such as the split between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto during their second term in office. These recurring divisions highlight the need for greater political coherence and unity within Kenya’s leadership, as internal conflicts can undermine the government’s ability to effectively address the country’s pressing issues.
For Ruto, the challenge now lies in maintaining stability and cohesion within his administration while addressing the grievances of Gachagua’s supporters. As he seeks to move forward, Ruto will need to balance the demands of his political allies with the need to build a government that can effectively serve the diverse interests of the Kenyan people.
The lessons learned from the Ruto-Gachagua fallout may ultimately pave the way for a more resilient and accountable political system, one that can withstand the pressures of communal politics and deliver on the promises of good governance. However, whether Kenya’s leaders can rise to this occasion remains to be seen. The path forward will undoubtedly be fraught with obstacles, but the nation’s resilience and commitment to democratic principles offer hope for a brighter future.