By Orenge Wycliff
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Vows to Fight Impeachment: “I Will Not Resign”
In a dramatic turn of events, Kenya’s Deputy President, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, has firmly declared that he will not resign from his position despite facing impeachment proceedings. During a press briefing held today, Gachagua addressed the nation, dispelling widespread speculations about his potential resignation and asserting his determination to defend himself against the allegations of gross misconduct.
A Press Briefing Amidst Speculations
The press briefing, which was highly anticipated, sparked a flurry of speculations that Gachagua might be stepping down from his role as Deputy President. However, Gachagua used the platform to categorically deny any intentions of resigning. “When I called for this press, there were speculations all over that I am resigning. Hahahahaha, I will not resign and I have no intentions of resigning,” he stated emphatically. “This is a man that was elected by more than 7.2 million Kenyans, I am not stupid to do that without public participation.”
Defending Against Allegations
Gachagua is currently facing impeachment over numerous counts of what has been deemed gross misconduct against the laws of Kenya. The motion of impeachment was tabled in the National Assembly by Hon. Mutuse, marking the beginning of a contentious political battle. During the press briefing, Gachagua took the opportunity to defend himself against each of the allegations laid against him. He asserted that the wealth alleged to belong to him is actually owned by his sons and emphasized that his wealth was largely accrued during the presidency of Mwai Kibaki. “Rigathi Gachagua was a businessman before he became a politician,” he explained.
The Impeachment Motion
The impeachment motion against Gachagua has been a topic of intense debate within the National Assembly. The motion, which was tabled by Hon. Mutuse, accuses Gachagua of gross misconduct and other violations of the law. The specifics of the allegations have not been fully disclosed to the public, but they have been serious enough to warrant the initiation of impeachment proceedings.
Public and Political Reactions
The announcement of the impeachment motion has elicited mixed reactions from the public and political figures alike. A recent poll by TIFA Research indicated that 69% of residents in the Mt. Kenya region oppose the motion to impeach Gachagua1. This division reflects the broader national sentiment, with many Kenyans expressing either support or opposition to the Deputy President’s potential ouster.
Legal and Political Maneuvering
As the impeachment proceedings move forward, Gachagua’s legal team is preparing to mount a robust defense. The High Court has already declined to stop the ongoing process to oust Gachagua, despite multiple cases being filed in his favor2. Legal experts have outlined Gachagua’s options if the impeachment motion passes in the National Assembly. According to Nairobi-based lawyer Charles Kanjama, Gachagua’s first option is to lobby MPs to intervene. If that fails and the motion proceeds to the Senate, Gachagua must present a strong case there. Should he be unable to prevent impeachment at the Senate level, his final recourse would be to challenge the decision in court3.
Political Implications
The impeachment proceedings against Gachagua have significant political implications, particularly for the upcoming 2027 elections. Lawmakers acknowledge that supporting the impeachment could have severe repercussions, with some calling for unity and dialogue instead of division2. The political landscape in Kenya is already fraught with tension, and the impeachment of a sitting Deputy President could further exacerbate these divisions.
Gachagua’s Political Future
Despite the looming threat of impeachment, Gachagua remains defiant and optimistic about his political future. He has warned President William Ruto about the implications of the current political landscape, stating that “the mountain is always ready to forgive but does not forget”3. This statement underscores the complex and often volatile nature of Kenyan politics, where alliances and loyalties can shift rapidly.
Conclusion
As the impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua unfold, the nation watches closely. Gachagua’s refusal to resign and his determination to fight the allegations head-on have set the stage for a high-stakes political battle. The outcome of this process will not only determine Gachagua’s political future but also have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s political landscape. For now, Gachagua stands firm, ready to marshal his predicament to the last, as he faces one of the most challenging moments of his political career.
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