Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has presented an agreement signed by Kenya Kwanza co-principals as part of his defense against accusations of tribalism made against him in the National Assembly. In a fiery press address on Monday evening, Gachagua stated that his controversial ‘shareholders’ remarks have been unfairly used against him, arguing that President William Ruto approved a shareholding arrangement prior to his election in 2024.
Gachagua disclosed that in the Kenya Kwanza coalition agreement, both National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi negotiated for their respective positions in exchange for securing 70% of the vote for Ruto in the Western region.
“ANC will be allocated the position of Prime Cabinet Secretary to be established within 14 days… FORD Kenya will be allocated the position of the Speaker of the National Assembly. In accordance with article 21 of the power-sharing agreement, ANC and FORD Kenya would receive 30% of National Government positions,” Gachagua read from the agreement.
The Deputy President highlighted that various regions bargained with the President for a share of power, and leaders from parties within the Kenya Kwanza coalition similarly demanded a portion of government roles. “I have never talked about sharing resources, I have been talking about power sharing. People should receive what they deserve in terms of power, according to this agreement,” Gachagua emphasized.
Gachagua’s repeated ‘shareholders’ comments are among the key reasons Members of Parliament have called for his removal from office. In a 100-page impeachment motion filed by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse on October 1, 2024, Gachagua is accused of dividing the country along tribal lines. He is also charged with undermining the presidency, violating his oath of office, and contradicting the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
Gachagua is set to face trial in the National Assembly on Tuesday, and his legal team, led by renowned lawyer Paul Mwite, will argue his case before the MPs.
