Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ignited significant controversy within the Kenya Kwanza administration by alleging that certain Members of Parliament are being bribed and intimidated to support an impeachment motion against him.
In a revealing interview with Citizen TV on Friday, Gachagua claimed that clandestine meetings have taken place in Nyahururu and Kitisuru, allegedly hosted by a Cabinet Secretary, to strategize his removal from office.
While Gachagua refrained from naming his opponents, he accused them of engaging in corrupt practices during these meetings, asserting that many MPs were coerced into compliance.
“I have access to information, and when secret meetings occur, word gets out,” he remarked, emphasizing that the discussions and financial exchanges were known to him.
Notably, a recent gathering in Nyahururu saw over 69 MPs publicly endorse Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as a political leader for Mt. Kenya, sidelining Gachagua in what they termed the ‘Nyahururu Declaration.’
Additionally, another meeting allegedly attended by 21 MPs focused on impeachment plans, citing accusations of constitutional violations and gross misconduct against the Deputy President.
Despite these challenges, Gachagua expressed confidence in his support from the public, stating, “Anyone who has issues with my leadership should address them to my employer the people.
” He also touched upon his contentious relationships with other politicians, attributing them to his candidness.
“I am known for my honesty, which sometimes rubs people the wrong way,” he explained, referring to backlash he received for discussing the Wakulima market’s issues.
Regarding his relationship with President William Ruto, Gachagua acknowledged that his detractors often claim to have the President’s backing for their actions, but he refrained from implicating Ruto in their schemes, as he wasn’t present at those meetings.
“I can’t accuse him since he isn’t involved in those discussions,” he noted, emphasizing that any impeachment motion would require the President’s endorsement to proceed in Parliament.
The allegations made by Gachagua have raised questions about internal dynamics within the administration and the lengths to which political rivals might go in their attempts to undermine each other.
As tensions mount, the implications for both Gachagua and the Kenya Kwanza government remain to be seen.
