Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has opened up about the circumstances that led to his impeachment and replacement by Kithure Kindiki.
Speaking on Sunday, January 5, at Tetu Catholic Church, Gachagua attributed his downfall to his candid nature and refusal to participate in misleading Kenyans.
“In the first year, I thought we were speaking from the same page until I realised it was all lies. We come to Ruring’u and promise we will complete the stadium, it is now two years, and nothing has been done. There are no roads, no water, no medicine in the hospitals, and our job is lying to Kenyans daily,” Gachagua said.
He revealed that his insistence on confronting the president about unfulfilled promises ultimately led to his removal.
“I warned my boss that we should stop lying to Kenyans. That’s when the plan to push me out began for saying the truth,” he added.
On October 1, 2024, Kibwezi West MP Eckomas Mwengi Mutuse filed an impeachment motion against Gachagua, citing 11 charges, including undermining the President and Cabinet, corruption, insubordination, money laundering, and gross misconduct.
The motion passed with overwhelming support in the National Assembly, endorsed by 282 MPs.
During his address at the church service, Gachagua praised the Catholic bishops for their courage in speaking out against the Kenya Kwanza government, which has faced criticism for unfulfilled promises and governance issues.
“We thank our Bishops for speaking for the people of Kenya. When everybody has been silent, the church remains the conscience of the nation, and I’d like to encourage you to continue speaking,” Gachagua stated.
Since his impeachment, Gachagua has emerged as a vocal critic of the government, calling for accountability on critical issues, including the rising cases of abductions.
This has led to a deepening rift between him and leaders allied with the Kenya Kwanza government.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has accused Gachagua of orchestrating forced disappearances to tarnish President Ruto’s image, allegations that the former deputy president has strongly denied.
“Gachagua was the orchestrator of abductions so that he could blame President Ruto,” Ichung’wah alleged. Gachagua dismissed the claims as baseless.
The fallout between Gachagua and his former allies continues to dominate Kenya’s political landscape, with both sides trading accusations in an increasingly tense environment.
