by Agatha Nafula
In what appears to be a strategic move to combat the growing outcry against bad governance, the Deputy President has been thrust into the spotlight, presented to desperate Kenyans whose frustrations align with the reasons behind his increasing alienation from the government.
Public opinion remains divided on whether Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua should vacate his office, with Parliament now being branded by the people as the "House of Theatrics" for its spectacle-like handling of the situation. Gachagua is being paraded as the sacrificial lamb, with a procedural impeachment meant to determine his guilt on multiple charges. Among these, the most perplexing accusation is that of tribalism, despite the fact that he was selected primarily for his ability to rally votes from the Mt. Kenya region in support of the president.
Could this impeachment drama merely be a tactic to evoke sympathy from Kenyans who are already disillusioned by the government? Is the president using his deputy as a distraction from the real issues plaguing the country? As the public protests against SHIF, the NFM, and the Adani scandal, their focus is now being pulled toward Gachagua’s impeachment—a process that many believe is heavily scripted.
The impeachment is unlikely to yield any meaningful outcome, and as the nation’s attention is diverted, critical issues affecting ordinary citizens risk being swept under the rug. Meanwhile, members of parliament seem more absorbed in this political theater than in fulfilling their responsibilities to the people who elected them.
With a formidable team of 21 lawyers, led by Paul Muite a renowned senior counsel who has a strong track record in such cases, Gachagua is likely to emerge unscathed. His return to Mt. Kenya may well be accompanied by his silent boss, President Ruto, who has so far maintained a conspicuous distance from the affair, opting for silence while his deputy faces the storm.
This silence, however, could be a calculated move by the president, who seems to be allowing the leaders of the Mt. Kenya region to fight among themselves. Once the court rules in favor of his deputy, Ruto may seize the opportunity to tour the region, positioning himself as the hero who saved "their son" from the jaws of political destruction. This clever maneuver could lead Gachagua to once again rally his people behind the president.
As the people remain divided over whether their “truthful” deputy is guilty or not, Ruto stands poised to shine, adeptly employing the time-tested principle of divide and conquer.
A detailed, broader perspective, Agatha.
We'll camp here and see which displacement the scenario dips itself into .
Either way, if it's a distraction strategy by the president, the Mt Kenya MPs will be the biggest casualties
You write so well Agatha.
The senate might not save Rigathi. The courts though.
Awesome article Agatha! The timing of the impeachment is definitely something that everyone should pay attention to. It's also quite obvious that the next vice president will come from 'the mountain' because he needs to consolidate their votes, but this is only for his selfish interests. I just hope that kenyans will remember this during the next election.
Loved this piece. Definitely scripted to shift the people's attention. Ruto thrives in situations like this and it's so unfortunate with SHIF literally being implemented illegally. We'll soon become like the States when it comes to expensive healthcare.
Divide and conquer indeed!
We need to make better choices in 2027!! At the forefront of our agenda as Kenyans should be our needs not political gimmicks dictated by tribalism!
Great article!