Power Move’: Why Kenya Deputy President Is Being Impeached

The outspoken 59-year-old deputy, also known as “Riggy G” and seen as a loose cannon in Nairobi politics, has been at odds with his boss President William Ruto for months.

An historic move by Kenyan lawmakers to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for abuse of office raises many questions.

AFP looks at why it is happening now and what comes next:

How did we get here?
The outspoken 59-year-old deputy, also known as “Riggy G” and seen as a loose cannon in Nairobi politics, has been at odds with his boss President William Ruto for months.

Gachagua joined Ruto’s ticket for the 2022 election, bringing in votes from the populous Kikuyu tribe.

But there have been growing divisions, particularly over recent anti-government protests. Gachagua was accused of siding with the protesters and — in a televised outburst at the height of the turmoil — even blamed the security services for the unrest.

Why now?
The main charges against Gachagua are corruption related.

But political watchers say a clash of personalities — and Gachagua’s fiery rhetoric — are more to blame.

“Ruto likely feels Gachagua has undermined his administration,” Declan Galvin, managing director of Exigent Risk Advisory, told AFP.

“Ruto is demonstrating his control over government after months of uncertainty,” he said. “This is a power move.”

Ruto has noticeably kept quiet on the motion, which was submitted by a member of his ruling coalition, but Gachagua admitted it could not have gone ahead without the president’s approval.

What has been the reaction?
The impeachment has dominated local media, a constant on cabbies’ radios and hairdressers’ TVs.

But many see the drama as a way of distracting Kenyans still angry over the treatment of protesters, as well as scandals such as a secretive takeover bid for Nairobi’s international airport by Indian firm Adani, and the chaotic launch of a new health insurance system.

Whistleblower Nelson Amenya, who exposed the talks for the airport’s takeover, said the timing seemed “calculated to divert public attention from critical issues”.

Many Kenyans are fed up with the political chaos.

“There are other factors that are affecting us, and they cannot deal with them as they dealt with that issue of impeachment of the deputy president,” said artist Kelvin Muriuki, 32.

“All these issues to do with impeachment are non-issues to Kenyans right now,” added law student Caleb Ikenye, 22.

What next for Gachagua?
Gachagua vehemently defended himself ahead of the vote late Tuesday, saying his wealth was entirely from legitimate sources.

But the motion has already been sent to the upper house, where senators have 10 days to make a decision. Two-thirds of the body must approve it to pass.

“But this is Kenya,” said Galvin, suggesting Gachagua is likely to fight it in the courts.

“They could do the whole political process, but if the Supreme Court says ‘no’… then they’re back,” he said.

And Gachagua will likely make trouble beyond the courts, he added.

“He can’t accept this lying down. Which is why there are concerns that he may sponsor protests as part of his resistance,” said Galvin.

AFP