Gachagua Faces Impeachment, Assembles 20-Lawyer Team, Denies Luxury Hotel Ownership

Oct 7, 2024, 03:36 AM

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing an impeachment motion, with 291 MPs signing the motion seeking his ouster. The impeachment proceedings have sparked a mix of reactions across Kenya, with low turnout in public participation exercises in regions like Mount Kenya and Nairobi. Gachagua has assembled a formidable defense team of 20 lawyers led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite to challenge the proceedings. Witnesses set to testify against him include Nairobi Governor Sakaja and Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau. Gachagua denies allegations of owning disputed properties, including two luxury hotels, claiming "Mali ni za kakangu" ("The property belongs to my brother"). His family has made public his late brother's will to support his defense. The High Court has declined to halt the impeachment process despite 13 cases filed challenging it. Some leaders accuse Gachagua of dividing Kenyans along tribal lines, and Catholic Bishops have called for dialogue. A section of MPs is proposing Musalia Mudavadi as the new Deputy President if Gachagua is impeached. Gachagua is expected to defend himself in Parliament on Tuesday and has sought forgiveness in a bid to avert the impeachment.