Staff members from the office of the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have been barred from entering Harambee House in Nairobi following a directive issued after the Senate approved his impeachment. Reports indicate that officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) were stationed outside the premises on Tuesday, preventing Gachagua’s staff from reporting for duty.
In total, 108 staff members associated with Gachagua were placed on compulsory leave as part of the transition process after the Senate’s decision. Principal Administrative Secretary Patrick Mwangi has instructed heads of departments to designate responsible officers to oversee operations going forward, with compliance expected by 12:00 PM on October 19, 2024.
Following the impeachment, President William Ruto nominated Kithure Kindiki to take over the deputy presidency. Amid these developments, Gachagua reported that his security has been withdrawn, leading him to express concerns about threats to his family’s safety. He mentioned that all security personnel previously assigned to him have been disarmed and warned to maintain distance, stating, “As we speak, the Deputy President has no single security officer around him. He is alone.”
Despite the impeachment, Gachagua maintains that he is still the appointed Deputy President, citing a stay order from the court that halts the Senate’s decision. He is currently awaiting a judicial ruling on the matter.
