In October 2024, history was made when Parliament impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. At the time, the decision divided opinion. A year later, hindsight has made it clear: Parliament acted not out of political malice, but in defense of the Constitution and the stability of our nation.
The grounds for impeachment were overwhelming. Gachagua was accused of gross violations of multiple constitutional provisions, beginning with Article 10, which binds state officers to national values such as inclusiveness, equality, and non-discrimination. Instead of upholding these principles, Gachagua persistently issued inflammatory, tribal remarks that excluded entire regions from government opportunities. This was a direct assault on Kenya’s fragile social fabric.
He also violated Articles 147(1) and 152(1) by undermining the President and Cabinet. As Deputy President, his constitutional role was to assist the Head of State and work within a collective Cabinet framework. Instead, he contradicted official government policy in public, weakening the President’s symbolic role under Article 131 as a unifying figure. No administration can survive when its deputy openly sabotages its mandate.
Even more troubling was his violation of Article 160(1), which guarantees judicial independence. Gachagua launched public attacks on judges and even threatened to petition for their removal in cases where he was a litigant. This was a blatant attempt to intimidate the Judiciary — a dangerous precedent that Parliament could not ignore.
The charges did not end there. Serious allegations of economic crimes were tabled, including amassing wealth incompatible with his income and trading with the Office of the Deputy President through proxies. These accusations, tied to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, painted a picture of a leader using public office as a personal business empire.
Looking back a year later, the wisdom of Parliament’s decision is evident. By removing Gachagua, legislators reaffirmed that no leader is above the Constitution. They shielded the Presidency from paralysis, defended devolution, protected judicial independence, and preserved national unity.
Kenya cannot afford leaders who thrive on division, corruption, and intimidation. Impeachment was not just justified — it was necessary to safeguard the dignity of our democracy. History will judge Parliament kindly for putting country above politics.
