Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has long mirrored the struggles President William Ruto experienced as the nation’s second-in-command.
Now, facing his own challenges, Gachagua has endured political blows while navigating the complex task of unifying the Mt. Kenya region, a mission often referred to as “climbing the mountain.”
Amid growing rumors of a possible impeachment and the souring relationship between him and President Ruto, Gachagua revealed in a candid interview that tensions between them have worsened, with alleged humiliation from Ruto’s allies.
In a September 20 interview with Citizen TV, Gachagua disclosed that certain MPs were being bribed and coerced into supporting an impeachment motion against him.
“I am well-informed, and when people think they are keeping secrets, we still find out,” he said.
Gachagua also called on President Ruto to restore order in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) amid growing reports of internal strife.
“Our boss (Ruto) must take charge. He can call a meeting and calm things down, tell MPs to stop attacking each other, and stop those who insult the DP in his presence. They would listen if he told them to stop, including stopping these night meetings. It’s his role to lead, so the country can move forward,” Gachagua urged.
Two days later, during a church service in Thika, Gachagua and his allies launched a public rebuke of Ruto, warning of severe consequences if the DP is ousted.
From the podium, Gachagua cautioned Ruto against reviving the divisive politics of betrayal that have caused rifts in the country’s past.
He reminded Ruto of Mt. Kenya’s unwavering support during the Uhuru Kenyatta-led regime’s attempts to sideline him and warned against inviting such issues into his administration.
“Let’s not reintroduce betrayal politics. Ruto thrived because Mt. Kenya rejected betrayal, and our people don’t forgive it,” he stressed.
Gachagua was supported by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who warned Ruto that ousting Gachagua could backfire and embolden opposition figures to target his presidency.
Malala claimed that ODM-allied lawmakers were driving the impeachment agenda, warning Ruto that these same individuals could ultimately turn against him.
“I may not be an advisor, but those who plan to remove your deputy will eventually try to remove you,” Malala said, naming Junet Mohamed and Peter Kaluma as key figures in the impeachment bid.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba echoed these sentiments, alleging that the impeachment motion was slated for introduction in Parliament soon.
“We despise betrayal. This impeachment is being orchestrated by those who previously insulted and humiliated you, Mr. President. Remember Kiambu gave you 606,000 votes. Respect those votes and let Gachagua do his job,” she urged.
Other leaders, including Senators Karungo wa Thang’wa and Joe Nyutu, along with several MPs, also condemned the alleged impeachment plan, vowing to oppose any move to unseat Gachagua.
In a subsequent rally in Githurai, former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru delivered a sharp critique of Ruto, prophesying that his presidency would only last one term.
“How many of you believe we were deceived by Ruto? Who agrees that Ruto must go? How many think Ruto is a one-term president?” Waruguru asked the energized crowd.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga suggested that Gachagua’s frustrations stemmed from Ruto’s decision to create an inclusive government, advising the DP to focus on his duties rather than complain.
“You were elected to work. Be serious about your role as DP or President instead of complaining,” Wanga said.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah dismissed the impeachment claims, calling them a ploy to gain sympathy and incite Mt. Kenya residents against their leaders.
“He’s implying that an impeachment would destabilize the nation. What he’s really doing is trying to scare people into believing this narrative,” Ichung’wah remarked.
Some leaders, however, argued that if Gachagua is to be ousted, then a similar motion should target President Ruto as well.
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