Mt. Kenya Leaders Divided Over Gachagua Impeachment Rumors

The unfolding tension within Kenya Kwanza sees leaders from the Mt. Kenya region weighing in on the proposed impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Reports of a potential impeachment motion against Gachagua have emerged, sparking debate among politicians from the Mt. Kenya region. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has voiced her concerns, suggesting that the impeachment plans are merely a diversionary tactic. She posits that this move aims to deflect attention from pressing issues facing the government, including allegations of corruption. Wamuchomba argues that the government, finding itself in a difficult position, is attempting to shift focus by introducing a tribal element to the political discourse.

The UDA MP maintains that the impeachment effort, reportedly orchestrated by some Mount Kenya leaders, is destined to fail. She expresses confidence that discerning MPs will recognize the purportedly baseless claims against the Deputy President. While acknowledging that Gachagua's supporters in Parliament may be few, Wamuchomba asserts their commitment to defending him against the impeachment plans. Adding to the complexity of the situation, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has hinted at the possibility of impeachment, further exacerbating divisions within the Kenya Kwanza government.

Kuria's cryptic social media message in June alluded to an impending impeachment motion against Gachagua. The roots of this conflict appear to stem from Gachagua's accusations against unnamed Rift Valley politicians close to President William Ruto. The Deputy President claims these individuals are orchestrating a scheme to divide the Mt. Kenya region, with an eye on the 2032 succession politics. Gachagua has spoken of a WhatsApp group called "Project 22," allegedly formed to coordinate efforts for his removal from office.

At the Akorino Prayer Conference in Nakuru, President Ruto reaffirmed his choice of Gachagua as his running mate, despite opposition from Mt. Kenya MPs. The President emphasized that he selected Gachagua based on their compatibility and shared vision for governance. The political drama has been further complicated by accusations from Kimilili lawmaker Didmus Barasa who claims Gachagua has betrayed President Ruto's government by supporting the opposition's stance on the "One Man, One Vote, One Shilling" revenue-sharing formula.