Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly opposed the upcoming impeachment debate set for Tuesday, dismissing the motion introduced by MP Mwengi Mutuse as a fabrication based on unfounded allegations.
During a press conference on Monday, Gachagua refuted accusations of corruption and fraudulent property acquisition, asserting that he will defend himself before the National Assembly. He described the claims as “outrageous and baseless propaganda” aimed at tarnishing his image and removing him from office.
In particular, Gachagua denied accusations that several properties mentioned in the impeachment motion were acquired through corrupt means, clarifying that most of these assets belonged to his late brother, James Nderitu Gachagua, who passed away in 2017 from pancreatic cancer.
“In his will, my late brother bequeathed his properties, assets, and cash. Among them were the Olive Garden Hotel, Vipingo Beach Resort, Queens Gate Apartment, and Langata Highrise Flats,” Gachagua explained. “Mutuse claims I acquired these properties after becoming deputy president in 2022, despite my brother dying in 2017.”
Gachagua noted that his late brother had appointed him, Mwai Mathenge, and lawyer Njoroge as executors of his will. He added that part of the funds in his account originated from the sale of the Olive Garden Hotel, as outlined in the will.
Addressing the mosquito net scandal involving his son, Gachagua said the issue dated back eight years, long before he became deputy president. He clarified that the company involved, Shobika Impex Limited, had hired Crystal Kenya as their local agent to handle logistics and oversee supplies at the ports of entry.
Gachagua emphasised that Shobika was responsible for the tendering process, not Crystal Kenya. He explained that when the tender failed, his son contacted the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to inquire about the bid bond status on behalf of Crystal Kenya.
The deputy president admitted that he personally contacted KEMSA after learning that Ksh. 500 million, paid as a bid bond, had been held up. KEMSA informed him that the money was seized by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) while investigations were underway.
In his concluding remarks, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) eventually closed the case and returned the bid bond.
Gachagua also criticised the recently concluded public participation process, which sought to gather Kenyans’ views on his proposed impeachment. He described the process as poorly executed and inaccessible to the general public.
“The public participation was a shoddy exercise that most Kenyans couldn’t comprehend. The accusations were presented in highly legalistic language, making it difficult for people to make an informed decision. Additionally, my response wasn’t included in the materials provided to the public,” Gachagua said.
He further remarked that the impeachment set for Tuesday would be the “most shameful act in House history,” as legislators would be attempting to oust a democratically elected leader based on false accusations.
The motion advanced to public participation across all 47 counties after receiving support from 291 lawmakers in the National Assembly. Gachagua is scheduled to stand trial on Tuesday, where he will be represented by a legal team led by veteran lawyer Paul Mwite, who will argue his case before Members of Parliament.
