DP Rigathi Gachagua’s Plan As Impeachment Motion Takes Another Step
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has unveiled a six-point strategy to counter attempts to oust him from office, as tensions rise within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
While publically maintaining confidence, Gachagua’s team is discreetly executing measures to safeguard his position, with some even considering resignation as a last resort.
- Samson Option: Gachagua intends to bring down the entire administration if his ouster proceeds. He believes his contribution to President William Ruto’s election, especially through votes from the Mount Kenya region, grants him leverage. If pushed out, he plans to ensure that President Ruto also faces challenges, including complicating the 2027 re-election bid.
- Mount Kenya Scorched-Earth Policy: Gachagua is rallying his base in the Mt. Kenya region, positioning himself as the area’s political kingpin. His plan involves turning the region’s electorate against any MPs supporting his ouster, creating a hostile environment for dissenters.
- Political Outreach: Gachagua is working to deny the impeachment vote the necessary numbers. He has secured support from key opposition figures like Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, who have pledged their backing, citing the need to avoid distractions within the government. Gachagua has also reached out to dissatisfied ODM MPs.
- Hoping for Raila’s Defeat: Gachagua is watching closely as President Ruto champions Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship. If the campaign falters, Gachagua hopes to align with Odinga and other key political figures in the 2027 elections, seeking revenge for what he perceives as betrayal by Ruto.
- Involving Key Players: Gachagua is engaging Kikuyu elders and the Church to discourage Ruto from endorsing the impeachment. By appealing to traditional and religious leaders, he hopes to create moral pressure on the president to reconsider.
- Guilt-Tripping the President: As a last effort, Gachagua is using emotional appeals, reminding Ruto of the promises made to him during their political alliance. His strategy is to prick the president’s conscience and halt the push for impeachment.
While resignation is not a priority, Gachagua has not entirely ruled it out.
His legal team has considered the option if the impeachment motion passes the National Assembly and is likely to be upheld by the Senate.
Early resignation might save Gachagua from permanent disqualification from holding public office should impeachment succeed.
As the impeachment debate looms, Gachagua is actively working to deny Ruto the necessary 233 MPs needed to pass the motion.
Some MPs who had initially supported the impeachment have started withdrawing their support which has created uncertainty over the outcome of the motion.
The coming days are crucial as Gachagua prepares for the next course of action from President Ruto.
