Plot to Impeach Gachagua? Political Storm Brews in Kenya

By REUBEN MUSONIK, POLITICAL EDITOR

A bombshell has dropped in the world of Kenyan politics – whispers and wild speculation about the potential impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. But is it all just smoke and mirrors?

Reports have emerged of a behind-closed-doors meeting allegedly involving MPs, some said to be from Gachagua’s home turf in the Mt. Kenya region, where talk of removing the Deputy President from office was on the table. The big accusation? That Gachagua has been undermining President William Ruto and pushing a divisive ethnic agenda.

One key flashpoint in this saga is Gachagua’s opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, as well as his dogged determination to secure top government posts for his allies. It’s all part of a complex political chess game – and Gachagua’s latest moves may have ruffled some serious feathers.

WHO’S BEHIND THE IMPEACHMENT PUSH?

Here’s where things get fuzzy. No big names have been officially linked to this brewing coup just yet, though insiders are pointing fingers at a secretive meeting that allegedly included not only MPs but a Cabinet Secretary nominee. But the real masterminds behind this potential political shake-up? Still a mystery, though a broader political power struggle seems to be in play.

Key figures like the Nyeri County Governor have reportedly weighed in, adding fuel to the fire and suggesting there’s more to this drama than meets the eye. What’s clear is that tensions within the ruling coalition are running dangerously high, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the embattled Deputy President.

PARLIAMENT DISSOLUTION RUMOURS: POLITICAL GAMES OR REAL THREAT?

In a twist that sounds straight out of a political thriller, speculation has also swirled about the dissolution of Parliament as a way to save Gachagua’s skin. The rumour mill kicked into overdrive after influential lawyer Ahmednassir Abdullahi, better known as @GrandMullah, tweeted about the possibility of President Ruto dissolving Parliament to avoid an impeachment showdown.

But before you get too excited, let’s be clear: dissolving Parliament to avoid an impeachment is not standard procedure under Kenyan law. It’s more likely a high-stakes bluff in the cutthroat game of political chess being played at the top.

THE HARD TRUTH BEHIND AN IMPEACHMENT

In reality, impeaching a sitting Deputy President isn’t as easy as it might sound. Under the Kenyan Constitution, removing the Deputy President requires a formal motion to be tabled in the National Assembly – and that’s just the beginning. The motion would need the backing of two-thirds of MPs, and there would be rigorous judicial oversight. It’s a slow, complex process, not something that can be rushed through over a casual meeting in a hotel room.

There’s also the small matter of evidence – to successfully impeach Gachagua, there must be proof of a serious violation of the law or Constitution. Political posturing is one thing, but getting the legal muscle to back an impeachment is another.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Despite the noisy rumours and Twitter storms, no formal motion to impeach Gachagua has been tabled, and there’s no official timeline for when – or even if – such a move might be attempted. For now, this all seems to be part of the high-stakes political theatre that has become the norm in Kenyan politics.

With plenty of accusations flying and no concrete evidence of an actual impeachment push, it’s unclear whether this is a real threat or just another power play in the ongoing struggle for control within the ruling coalition. But one thing’s for sure – Kenya’s political landscape is as volatile as ever, and Gachagua is right at the centre of the storm.

Expect more twists, turns, and explosive revelations in the days ahead. Will Gachagua survive this political pressure cooker? Watch this space!