Kenyan lawmakers have initiated proceedings to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, accusing him of involvement in June’s deadly anti-government protests, corruption, and promoting ethnically divisive politics. Gachagua has denied the allegations.
The impeachment, backed by 291 MPs, far exceeding the 117 needed, follows a deepening rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto. The process is expected to pass easily through both houses of parliament after opposition parties joined forces with Ruto’s ruling party.
Gachagua, who helped Ruto secure the presidency in 2022, is now politically isolated, with Interior Secretary Kithure Kindiki seemingly taking over some of his responsibilities. Despite his defiance and claims of support from his Mount Kenya region, Gachagua faces mounting pressure, with recent police investigations linking his allies to violent protests.
