Kenya’s parliament tables motion to impeach deputy president

Kenya’s deputy President Rigathi Gachagua waves to supporters as he arrives for his swearing-in ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Oct 1 –Kenya’s parliament on Tuesday tabled a motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for gross violation of the constitution, the speaker said, as local media reported that he had fallen out with President William Ruto.

Over one third of lawmakers signed a motion presented by Mwengi Mutuse, an MP allied with Ruto’s coalition, that accuses Gachagua of, among other things, denying people “equal opportunities for public service appointments and allocation of public resources,” according to the document.

A rift between Ruto and Gachagua has spilt into the open in recent days, with Gachagua saying he has been sidelined while denying accusations linking him and associates to violent protests earlier in the year, in which demonstrators overran parliament.

“A special motion before the House presents an unprecedented constitutional moment in our democracy,” said parliamentary speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

“Without doubt, it summons this house to test for the first time, under the 2010 constitution, the provisions of our constitution relating to the removal from office by impeachment of the deputy president.”

Gachagua commands support in Kenya’s populous central region, and efforts to unseat him could stir up discontent there, adding to Ruto’s headaches.

More than 50 people were killed in the unrest against the financing legislation, creating Ruto’s biggest crisis since he took office in 2022. Protesters opposed tax hikes contained in the bill and also demanded action against misgovernance and corruption.

As part of a major reshuffle, Ruto in July nominated four members of the main opposition party to a “broad-based” cabinet. But activists said the new government would perpetuate a tradition of leaders co-opting the opposition instead of carrying out far-reaching reforms demanded by citizens.