Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his supporters are facing intensified political and legal challenges following his recent ouster. Gachagua is currently contesting his removal through the courts while simultaneously grappling with growing scrutiny and potential criminal implications.
His allies, many of whom have vocally opposed the impeachment and criticized President William Ruto, are also under fire.
Reports indicate that Ruto’s majority faction is executing a systematic purge aimed at removing Gachagua’s supporters from key leadership roles within the House. According to sources familiar with the situation, there are plans to initiate this purge once the National Assembly completes the impeachment proceedings.
A pro-government MP emphasized the stakes, stating, “If amongst the charges the DP is facing is undermining the President and you support him, what are you telling us? That you are also undermining the President?” This sentiment reflects the underlying tension within the ruling coalition as it seeks to consolidate power and quell dissent.
Insiders have revealed that a Parliamentary Group meeting is being organized to discuss replacements for those loyal to Gachagua. This follows advanced discussions about swiftly addressing the issue of impeachment, with the aim of reasserting control over committee leadership.
Among the lawmakers who may be affected are several influential figures who voted to support Gachagua during the impeachment vote. This includes:
– James Gakuya, MP for Embakasi North and chair of the powerful Trade Committee.
– Muthoni Wamuchomba, MP for Githunguri and chair of the National Assembly’s Constitution and Implementation Oversight Committee.
– In the Senate, Karungo Thang’wa, who chairs the Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing, and Joe Nyutu, chair of the Committee on Education, are also reportedly on the list.
These lawmakers, who hold significant positions within the National Assembly, could be among 44 who previously rallied to save Gachagua. The implications of this purge could significantly affect the operations and policymaking capabilities within Kenya’s bicameral legislature as factions within the ruling coalition navigate the fallout from Gachagua’s impeachment.
The move could worsen the frosty relationship in Kenya Kwanza and may trigger an implosion in Mt Kenya, given that the majority of those targeted hail from the restive region.
Additionally, a plot has been hatched to kick Gachagua out of the ruling UDA party, a move that will render him partyless.
UDA secretary general Hassan Omar on Sunday announced the party does not recognise the impeached DP, confirming plans to convene a meeting to expel him.
“Gachagua must now accept that the ground has shifted and move on,” Omar said.
A section of MPs have demanded that the former DP be investigated by the EACC and Directorate of Criminal Investigations, to explain how he accumulated Sh5.2 billion wealth in two years.
Gachagua’s impeachment comes with another political price – the ex DP will be barred permanently from holding elective or public office. He was also summoned by the DCI over allegations he made of attempts to assassinate him.
Gachagua will also be walking out empty-handed, having lost all his hefty exit perks, should the court fail to overturn the impeachment.
