Rigathi Gachagua's Impeachment Drama: 

A Crisis in Kenya's Leadership

The political landscape in Kenya has taken a dramatic turn with the recent impeachment process against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The fallout between him and President William Ruto has escalated to a point where Gachagua, once a loyal supporter of the President, is now facing what he describes as a relentless campaign to destroy him. The events leading to his hospitalization and his subsequent comments on the withdrawal of his security detail have only added more intrigue to this already tense situation.

Gachagua's Health Crisis on the Day of Senate Cross-Examination

On the day Rigathi Gachagua was scheduled to appear before the Senate for cross-examination by his accusers from the National Assembly, he reported severe chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The Deputy President was rushed to Karen Hospital, where he remained under observation. This sudden health issue occurred just hours before his highly anticipated appearance in the Senate, raising questions about the timing and the true state of his health.

In a public statement made after his discharge, Gachagua stated, "Today, I have no security. And it's good that they know. And if anything happens to me..." These words were a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation surrounding his impeachment.

Security Withdrawal: A Vicious Move?

One of the most alarming revelations made by Gachagua was the withdrawal of his security detail, both at the hospital and his private residences in Nyeri and Karen. He expressed his disbelief and anger, claiming that this was ordered by "a man I helped to become President, a man I believed in, a man I was persecuted for supporting."

According to Gachagua, his security guards were disarmed, and warnings were issued to ensure they remained far from him. The Deputy President described this as an act of cruelty, especially at a time when he was fighting for his life in the hospital.

Gachagua questioned how such a vicious move could come from someone he once considered an ally, stating, "I don't understand this level of viciousness towards a man who helped you become President."

Defiance Against Court Orders and Crippling the Deputy President's Office

Rigathi Gachagua did not mince words when he accused President William Ruto of deliberately violating court orders that barred his impeachment proceedings. Gachagua claimed that despite these orders, the President moved ahead with actions that aimed to cripple the functions of his office.

"Through the Head of Public Service, all officers in my office were sent on compulsory leave. Last night, all vehicles assigned to my staff were recalled," Gachagua explained. This move, in his view, was a deliberate effort to paralyze his office and remove him from the political scene.

Betrayal by a Trusted Ally

The sense of betrayal in Gachagua's words was palpable. He described his relationship with President Ruto as one built on trust, particularly as a fellow Christian who once stood by the President during difficult times. "I'm the only man who trusted him," Gachagua lamented. "Probably because we are Christians. We used to go to church together, and as a Christian, I believed my fellow Christians."

This trust, however, has now been shattered. Gachagua expressed his deep disappointment, stating that for the past year, he has endured "continuous persecution and stress." He drew parallels to the infamous political persecution of Kenneth Matiba, suggesting that Ruto's intention was to push him to the brink, hoping for a similar fate.

Political Persecution or Truth-Telling?

In Gachagua's view, his only crime has been telling the truth. He highlighted several instances where he disagreed with President Ruto's policies, particularly regarding the eviction of people without compensation, over-taxation, and the controversial Affordable Housing Program. "My only problem with the President is just being truthful, because nobody else can tell him," Gachagua said.

He further accused the President of corruption and favouritism, particularly in the awarding of medical equipment contracts to a single supplier, a move that he claims is "killing our business people." Gachagua's stance, he insisted, has always been one of standing up for the people, a role he believes is crucial for any Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution.

A Judiciary Battle and a Call for Justice

Despite the political turmoil, Rigathi Gachagua expressed his faith in Kenya's judiciary. He emphasized that he has always been ready to face his accusers, having already defended himself before the National Assembly. He regretted not being given the opportunity to present his case before the Senate, where he believes he could have countered each of the 11 charges against him.

"The 11 counts are nothing but malice and fiction," Gachagua argued, describing the impeachment process as a political game designed by President Ruto to remove him from office. He criticized the Senate for not following proper procedure, claiming that the select committee that was supposed to handle the case was never constituted.

Gachagua concluded by asserting that had he been given the chance to present his defence, he would have "persuaded the Senate otherwise."

His disappointment in the political process was evident, but he remained hopeful that justice would prevail.

The Future of Kenya's Political Landscape

The impeachment process against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is far from over. As he continues to fight for his political survival, the Kenyan public is left to watch the unfolding drama with bated breath. Gachagua's claims of betrayal, political persecution, and corruption have raised serious questions about the state of leadership in Kenya.

Whether he will emerge victorious or succumb to the forces against him remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that this political battle is not just about one man but about the future of governance and accountability in Kenya.