NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of reviving outdated political tactics, alleging a plot to criminalize his allies as part of a broader scheme to discredit and remove him from office.
In a statement released on Thursday, Gachagua expressed frustration over what he termed as the misuse of the criminal justice system to manage political differences, a practice he said he and President William Ruto vowed to abolish upon assuming office.
“I am embarrassed that we are back to where we were,” Gachagua stated, highlighting the irony of the situation as he recalled the administration’s promise to keep the criminal justice system free from political manipulation.
The Deputy President alleged that for the past two months, his staff and Members of Parliament perceived to be close to him have been subjected to harassment, including surveillance and intimidation.
Gachagua further revealed a supposed plot to bring fabricated charges against three of his staff members and two MPs: Embakasi North’s James Gakuya and Embakasi Central’s Benjamin Gathiru Mejja Donk.
He claimed the intention behind these charges is to falsely associate them with violent demonstrations that occurred in June, aiming to tarnish his reputation and lay the groundwork for impeachment proceedings.
“This evil scheme is to soil my name and hopefully create grounds for the mooted impeachment proceedings against me,” he asserted, adding that these tactics are merely an attempt to distract Kenyans from the real issues facing the nation.
The Deputy President’s claims come amid escalating political tension following a fallout with President Ruto.
Once united in their campaign against the ‘deep state’ during the 2022 election, the duo has since parted ways.
Gachagua’s vocal advocacy for the Mount Kenya region, which he hails from, has made him a target within the political establishment, with accusations of promoting tribalism and undermining government initiatives.
Gachagua’s declaration on Friday is not just a defense of his position but also an indictment of a government he helped bring to power.
“Kenyans are very intelligent people. They know what factors made them take to the streets. They also know what the real problems in Kenya are, and they surely know Rigathi Gachagua is not among them,” he said.
The Deputy President’s remarks highlight a deepening rift within the ruling coalition. Observers note that the recent rapprochement between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga may be further isolating Gachagua.
The two leaders recently signed significant agreements in Germany, including labor deals that will see Kenyan youths gain employment in German companies.
This newfound cooperation has fueled speculation that Ruto is keen to sideline his Deputy, with Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), now positioned as a key ally.
Rumors of an impending impeachment motion against Gachagua have been circulating in political circles for weeks. Some MPs from his own Mt. Kenya region have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership style, accusing him of neglecting broader national interests in favor of regional concerns.
These accusations, coupled with Gachagua’s outspoken nature, have made him a polarizing figure within the ruling party.
Yet, Gachagua remains defiant. He called on state agencies to “remain professional, follow the rule of law and keep off politics,” urging them to resist being used as tools in political battles.
“Let our agencies do their job without political interference. It’s the only way we can restore trust in our institutions,” he said.
The political landscape in Kenya appears to be shifting rapidly. With Gachagua now on the defensive, it remains to be seen whether he can weather the storm or if the forces arrayed against him will succeed in their bid to remove him from power.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of Kenya’s leadership and the stability of the ruling coalition.
