Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | During a televised national address on Monday, Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua defended his family’s wealth, which has become a focal point of the impeachment motion lodged against him. The motion, presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwingi Mutuse, accuses Gachagua of 11 charges, including corruption and abuse of office.
Gachagua firmly denied the accusations, calling them baseless and part of a politically motivated effort to tarnish his name. He asserted that the wealth he and his family hold was acquired legitimately, noting that most of it was accumulated long before his entry into politics.
Addressing the claims directly, Gachagua said the impeachment motion was being used as a political tool by his adversaries who seek to destabilize the government and oust him. He accused MP Mutuse of failing to conduct thorough investigations, instead choosing to “spread lies” aimed at damaging his reputation and undermining his role as Deputy President.
Gachagua dismissed the charges as part of a broader scheme to discredit his leadership. He emphasized that the allegations were not only without merit but were also designed to create divisions within the government and hinder his efforts to serve Kenyans.
The impeachment motion, which has gained attention in political circles, cites various alleged instances of misconduct, including allegations related to improper management of public funds, conflict of interest in awarding government contracts, and nepotism. Gachagua, however, argued that these claims lack evidence and are based on malicious rumors.
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Despite the seriousness of the charges, Gachagua has received support from several lawmakers aligned with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who have condemned the motion as a distraction from critical national issues. They argue that the impeachment is a politically motivated attack intended to weaken the administration.
This move comes at a time when Kenya is facing significant economic challenges, and Gachagua has been vocal about his role in addressing these problems. He framed the impeachment motion as part of a larger political agenda, meant to disrupt ongoing efforts to stabilize the country and focus on development initiatives.
The impeachment process is expected to be contentious, with both Gachagua’s supporters and opponents likely to engage in heated debate as the motion moves forward in Parliament.
