From corridors of power to smell of fresh grass: Gachagua bows out

By Robert Mutasi 

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was thankful for his family as he reflected on his impeachment, sharing the peace and beauty of his rural home on social media.

"Home Sweet Home! Thanking God for the gift of my family," he posted, emphasizing how happy it makes him to reconnect with his roots following recent political challenges that have dogged him.

However, family has been his comfort zone, as he mentioned being eager to "take my walk in Hombe Forest" and enjoy the beauty of Mount Kenya.

In a heartfelt post, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, Gachagua’s wife, echoed sentiments of faith and gratitude.

"We give God all the glory," she wrote. "It is easy to look at the challenges and circumstances surrounding you and forget the cardinal rule of a believer. Today, my family and I choose to give a prayer of thanksgiving, understanding that God remains sovereign, whether He saves us from fire or not, Daniel 3:16-18. We give thanks to God for His awesome faithfulness.We call Him, Ebenezer, for this far we celebrate Him.We have seen His mercy and experienced His goodness. Glory and honour be to His Holy name."

She added a reflection from Job 13:15-16, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless person would dare come before him!" Pastor Dorcus acknowledged the support they had received, writing, "We appreciate your love and prayers. May God bless you all."

The impeachment of Gachagua is a momentous event in Kenya's political landscape—one that emanates from heated debates, court battles, and efforts by his team to halt the process.

The charges against him ran the gamut from violating the constitution and undermining governmental institutions to indulging in divisive rhetoric.

On October 8, 2024, the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach him, with 282 MPs supporting the motion moved by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.

Gachagua argued in his defense that the motion was politically motivated, devoid of substantive merit, and supported by rivalries and opposition within the political mainstream.

Notwithstanding his appeals, the Senate impeached him, formalizing it through a Gazette notice on October 17 that removed him officially from office.

Gachagua's impeachment was not without controversies. The former Deputy President’s legal team engaged in fierce court battles, seeking a stay of order against swearing in his successor, Kithure Kindiki, citing inconsistency and lack of an adequate chance for Gachagua to fully defend himself.

A three-judge bench led by Justice Eric Ogola heard the case but later lifted the stay on Kindiki's assumption of office, paving the way for his swearing-in.

The swearing-in ceremony of Kindiki as the new Deputy President took place on November 1 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi.

Meanwhile, Gachagua remained focused on family and faith, seemingly undeterred by his political circumstances.

His message conveys determination to forge ahead, as his political career remains in limbo.

Gachagua's impeachment has revived debates about the balance of power in Kenya, the extent of political loyalty, and mechanisms of impeachment available in the government.

The effect may further impact alignments, especially among leaders from central Kenya, who voiced their anger over what they termed the "persecution" of their regional representative.