Kenya’s Vice President Impeachment: Corruption Allegations, Political Fallout, and National Implications

 

In a landmark event, the Kenyan National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Vice President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of corruption and divisive ethnic politics. The historic impeachment marks the first time a sitting vice president has faced such a fate in the country, raising serious questions about the future of Kenyan politics. Gachagua, who has denied all charges, faces a crucial decision by the Senate on whether his removal will be finalised.

The motion to impeach Gachagua, tabled by Mwengi Mutuse, was supported by 281 MPs, far exceeding the constitutional requirement of 117 MPs. A total of 44 MPs opposed the motion, and one abstained. The 11-count charge against Gachagua centered around accusations of corruption and acquiring properties worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $40 million). He is also accused of using his wealth and political influence on fuelling ethnically divisive politics, especially in his support of protests in June 2024 against the government’s unpopular tax hikes.

Despite the charges, Gachagua has adamantly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that much of the wealth in question belongs to his late brother's estate. He has also defended his use of funds for renovating his official residence, a project that sparked public outrage. Gachagua continues to describe the accusations as politically motivated, claiming they are part of an attempt to undermine his credibility within the government.

Gachagua’s impeachment sheds light on deepening divisions within Kenya’s government. The vice president’s relationship with President William Ruto has been in freefall since mid-2024, when tensions arose following violent demonstrations over a controversial tax policy. Over 50 people were killed during the protests, leading to widespread criticism of the government’s handling of the situation.

Ruto’s decision to sack much of his cabinet and bring in opposition figures following the protests created a significant political shift. Gachagua, who was accused of funding the protests, found himself increasingly marginalised. Though the president has not publicly commented on the impeachment, his silence speaks volumes about the political calculus behind this move. Many MPs who previously supported Gachagua have now switched allegiance, a clear signal that loyalty to Ruto has become paramount in this political battle.

The focus on Gachagua’s impeachment has temporarily diverted attention from the broader grievances of the Kenyan public, particularly over the high cost of living and widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies. Ethnic and political divisions have deepened as Kenyans grapple with economic uncertainty. The impeachment process, though aimed at addressing corruption, risks exacerbating these divisions.

Public participation in the impeachment process, mandated by the constitution, revealed a significant degree of support for Gachagua’s removal. A parliamentary report indicated that more than 65% of the 200,000 respondents supported the impeachment. This reflects not only frustration with corruption but also a broader weariness with political dysfunction in Nairobi.

Gachagua’s impeachment is rooted in constitutional provisions that outline specific grounds for removing a deputy president. Under Article 145(2)(A) of Kenya’s Constitution, the vice president can be impeached for a gross violation of the constitution, serious crimes under national or international law, or gross misconduct. These standards are what Gachagua now faces in the Senate, which will ultimately determine his political fate.

This event marks only the second time in Kenyan history that a vice president has faced an impeachment motion. The first occurred in 1989 when Josephat Karanja, then vice president, resigned rather than face similar charges. The precedent set by Gachagua’s impeachment, however, underscores the fragility of political alliances in Kenya and the evolving nature of its democracy.

At the heart of Gachagua’s impeachment is not just the corruption allegations, but also the ethnic and political dynamics that have long shaped Kenyan politics. Gachagua hails from the Kikuyu community, Kenya’s largest ethnic group, while President Ruto belongs to the Kalenjin community. Ethnic tensions between the two groups have historically played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape, most notably during the post-election violence of 2007-2008.

The alliance between Ruto and Gachagua was seen as a strategic move during the 2022 election, but their recent fallout highlights the delicate balance of power within the Kenyan government. As Ruto seeks to consolidate his leadership and distance himself from controversy, Gachagua’s political missteps have provided a convenient opportunity for the president to distance himself from an increasingly unpopular figure.

There are also strategic considerations related to the 2027 general elections. With Gachagua now out of the picture, Ruto may be positioning himself to align with a broader coalition of opposition figures, enhancing his political leverage as he seeks re-election. Gachagua’s departure may also pave the way for a less divisive figure to take his place, helping to restore confidence in the government.

Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment is a significant moment in Kenyan political history, one that reflects deeper issues of corruption, ethnic division, and political opportunism. As the Senate prepares to vote on his final removal, the future of Kenyan politics hangs in the balance. The decision will not only shape the immediate fate of the vice presidency but also set a precedent for how Kenya handles political discord within the highest levels of government.

In the long term, Kenya’s leaders will need to focus on addressing the economic challenges facing the country, lest political infighting further destabilise an already fragile democracy. Gachagua’s impeachment may bring temporary relief to the country’s leadership, but it does little to solve the underlying issues of governance, accountability, and public trust that continue to plague Kenya.