Kenya Insights

Tag: Gachagua Impeachment

  • ‘I Regret Impeaching Gachagua,’ Gloria Orwoba Says‬

    ‘I Regret Impeaching Gachagua,’ Gloria Orwoba Says‬

    Former UDA legislator admits she misinterpreted “Usiguze Mlima” movement, acknowledges ex-DP has become unifying figure

    Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has publicly expressed regret over her decision to vote for the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024, citing a misinterpretation of the political circumstances that influenced her judgment.

    In an interview on Thursday, Orwoba revealed that her support for Gachagua’s removal was primarily driven by her misunderstanding of the “Usiguze Murima” slogan, which she now admits to having interpreted incorrectly.

    “The only thing that could be substantiated was that Rigathi Gachagua had a movement coming from his community that was misinterpreted by Kenyans, and the Usiguze Mlima movement – I was one of the people who misinterpreted it,” Orwoba acknowledged.

    The senator explained that during the impeachment proceedings, she had questioned the motion’s sponsors for failing to adequately substantiate the eleven charges leveled against Gachagua.

    Of all the accusations, she said only one appeared to have merit – the perception that Gachagua was promoting divisive tribal politics through his community-based movement.

    “When I was impeaching, I was one of the guys saying you bring 11 counts, yet you can’t substantiate any of it, even 9. It is in my speech during the impeachment,” Orwoba stated, defending her initial scrutiny of the charges.

    However, she admitted that the fear and divisiveness she perceived in Gachagua’s movement at the time led her to view him as a tribal leader, ultimately pushing her to support his removal based on that single count.

    Orwoba’s regret stems from what she now sees as Gachagua’s transformation into a unifying political figure. She praised the former Deputy President’s evolution, noting that despite initial perceptions of divisive politics, he has emerged as someone who brings Kenyans together.

    “The same Rigathi Gachagua, despite starting off at a point of what was perceived as divisive politics, has actually become the person who has united Kenyans,” she observed.

    When pressed about potential future political collaboration with Gachagua, Orwoba remained non-committal, stating only that she would align herself with movements that prioritize Kenyan interests and women’s rights.

    Orwoba’s admission comes just days after her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on May 19, 2025.

    The party’s disciplinary committee, with approval from the National Executive Committee, removed her over allegations of disloyalty and violations of the party’s code of conduct.

    Her troubles with UDA stemmed primarily from her association with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who is positioning himself for the 2027 presidential race as an opposition figure.

    The party cited her presence at Matiang’i’s airport reception and homecoming events, as well as her criticism of President William Ruto’s labor mobility program, as evidence of her disloyalty.

    The senator’s change of heart regarding Gachagua’s impeachment adds another layer to Kenya’s evolving political landscape, particularly as various leaders reassess their positions ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Scheme Unveiled to Oust Gachagua as UDA’s Deputy Party Leader

    Scheme Unveiled to Oust Gachagua as UDA’s Deputy Party Leader

    United Democratic Alliance (UDA) officials are reportedly working to remove Rigathi Gachagua as deputy party leader following his impeachment as Deputy President.

    President William Ruto leads the UDA party, with the party’s constitution specifying that the deputy president automatically serves as deputy party leader.

    Gachagua, a stalwart in the party’s structure, has been a polarizing figure, openly voicing opinions that occasionally clash with the party’s top brass.

    This rift has apparently ignited a power struggle, with some party members accusing Gachagua of stepping beyond his role and potentially jeopardizing UDA’s unity ahead of upcoming political battles.

    This power struggle signals deeper ideological tensions within UDA, raising questions about the party’s direction and whether Gachagua’s ousting could be the first of several shifts within its ranks.

    Scheme Unveiled to Oust Gachagua

    Inside Scheme Unveiled to Oust Gachagua and Expand UDA Leadership

    UDA leaders had proposed adding two new deputy party leader positions, a move seen by some as a strategy to limit Gachagua’s influence. However, recent events suggest they may replace him as deputy party leader within two weeks, depending on the outcome of his ongoing court case challenging his impeachment.

    Party insiders indicate that Ruto’s allies plan to install Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy party leader. Kindiki, nominated by Ruto as Gachagua’s replacement, awaits the final court ruling to assume office officially.

    Upcoming NEC Meeting and Potential Expulsion

    The UDA National Executive Council (NEC) is set to meet in the next two weeks to formalize Gachagua’s removal. Party leaders have hinted that this meeting could also initiate the process to expel him entirely from UDA, depending on the court’s ruling.

    If ousted, Gachagua would likely face a challenging legal battle if he wishes to remain within UDA and may not be able to run under the party’s banner in 2027.

    Kitutu Chache North MP and UDA National Treasurer Japhet Nyakundi stated, “We do not recognize Gachagua as UDA’s deputy party leader.” He confirmed that the NEC would soon appoint a replacement.

    Political Fallout and New Alliances

    Since Gachagua’s removal, UDA has seen other internal shifts. Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, a known Gachagua ally, was replaced by EALA member Hassan Omar as Ruto’s supporters sought to consolidate control.

    Reports suggest President Ruto’s emerging alliance with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga could play a significant role in the 2027 elections.

    Ruto has brought several Raila-aligned politicians into his Cabinet, ensuring support for Gachagua’s impeachment and signaling a broader strategy for the next election cycle.

  • Ruto Should Go Before Gachagua—Kalonzo

    Ruto Should Go Before Gachagua—Kalonzo

    Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka now says President William Ruto should have been the first to be impeached, long before the motion to remove his deputy Rigathi Gachagua from office was tabled in Parliament.

    According to Kalonzo, the recently held public participation exercise on the impeachment motion against DP Gachagua proved that Kenyans are fed up with the entire Kenya Kwanza top administration, beginning with President Ruto himself.

    He went ahead to cite what he termed as a clarion call coined by Kenyans – “kufa dereva, kufa makanga” – which implies that both of the country’s two top leaders have lost the confidence of the country hence should be ousted as one.

    “Before Gachagua was allowed to defend himself, they (Parliament) went out there and purported to do public participation, which turned out to be actually a referendum vote on the presidency of William Ruto, including his own deputy. Because Kenyans were out saying it loudly, that both of them should leave office; kufa driver, kufa makanga,” he said.

    “In terms of public participation and perception, the clarion call was that if Gachagua has to be impeached, it should not be him [alone]. In fact Kenyans are saying, on a balance of scale, William Ruto himself should actually have gone first to be impeached. That’s what Kenyans are saying.”

    If, for nothing else, the opposition Azimio coalition co-principal went ahead to point out that President Ruto should have been impeached following the youth-led protests of June 25, 2024 where a number of Kenyans were killed and others abducted.

    “Following the events of June 25th, a lot of young Kenyans were killed, other were abducted, and many others are still missing as we speak today,” he said.

    “If that is not an impeachable offense on the part of the President, then I do not know what it is. Because the President is supposed to safeguard the lives, uphold the principles and basic rights of every Kenyan citizen under the Constitution.”

    Speaking on Citizen TV’s ‘The Explainer’ show on Tuesday night, Kalonzo rubbished the 11 grounds of impeachment against DP Gachagua tabled in the National Assembly by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.

    The Wiper boss termed the charges as “frivolous,” but went ahead to add that “that’s a matter perhaps for the courts to decide.”

  • How Gachagua Bought Brother’s Hotel For Sh412M Under Secret Agreement With A Woman

    How Gachagua Bought Brother’s Hotel For Sh412M Under Secret Agreement With A Woman

    Details have emerged on how Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, through a secret agreement, sold Olive Gardens Hotel in Nairobi’s Hurlingham area and still retained its ownership by appointing a proxy to run its bank account.

    In a sworn affidavit, the purchaser of the property Peterson Njomo Michira said on March 31, 2023, Gachagua approached and convinced him to buy the hotel, which was at the time part of the estate of the late Nderitu Gachagua, for Sh412 million.

    “The Deputy President persuaded me to enter into an informal secret arrangement (the secret arrangement) regarding the transaction embodied in the agreement. The terms of the secret arrangement were that the Deputy President would buy the hotel from me by refunding the purchase price of Sh412,000,000,” Njomo said in the affidavit.

    Njomo paints a vivid picture of a carefully orchestrated dance, where he was invited by the Deputy President to step into the spotlight and purchase the Olive Garden Hotel. This hotel, once part of the late Nderitu Gachagua’s estate, became the stage for a hidden play. Behind the curtains, the Deputy President pulled the strings, ensuring that while Njomo stood in the public eye as the official buyer, the true ownership remained veiled in secrecy.

    The arrangement was like a concealed handshake, one in which Rigathi Gachagua promised to return the Sh412 million Njomo paid, as if refunding a borrowed crown. The DP also committed to hiring workers to refurbish the hotel, polishing it for a future reveal.

    To keep his hand hidden, the Deputy President appointed Ms. Julianne Jahenda as the watchful guardian of the hotel’s treasure chest, her name quietly written in the book of accounts.

    “To protect the DP’s undisclosed interest in the hotel, I would appoint Ms Julianne Jahenda as a signatory or agent for the hotel’s account at Co-Operative Bank of Kenya Limited,” the affidavit said.

    Like a shadow cast over the hotel’s operations, Jahenda was tasked with running the business, her presence a reminder of the Deputy President’s quiet, yet ever-present control over the enterprise.

    “I appointed and introduced Ms Julianne Jahenda, who is a close associate of the Deputy President, as a signatory and agent for purposes of the operation of the hotel’s account and I have so far allowed Jahenda to run the hotel as agreed with the Deputy President,” said Njomo the director and shareholder of TM Civil Engineering Limited

    In this arrangement, Njomo was but a steward, a character in a play where the real power remained hidden, yet undeniably felt.

    Meanwhile, the National Assembly wants the Senate to summon EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak, or a competent officer, to provide information on the Sh3.7 billion nets scandal at Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa).

    Gachagua is accused of meddling with the procurement process that led to the cancellation of the tender by Global Fund.

    The National Assembly, in a letter through Clerk Samuel Njoroge to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, also wants the EACC to provide information about Gachagua’s declaration about the gifts he received while in office.

    “Provide information on the declaration of conflict of interest made to EACC by HE Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, during his tenure of office to date,” the letter reads.

    Other witnesses for the National Assembly are Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and former Kemsa CEO Andrew Mulwa.

    Gachagua is the sole witness in the case.

    Wanjau accuses Gachagua of opposing the Cabinet-approved evacuation of residents living within 30 metres of the Nairobi River, thus undermining government policy and collective Cabinet responsibility.

    Gachagua denied undermining President Ruto but maintained that he opposed what he termed “inhumane” evictions.

    Sakaja has sworn an affidavit on shifting Wakulima market traders to Outering Road, a decision that Gachagua resisted.

    In his affidavit, Mulwa argues the DP allegedly influenced the award of the Sh3.7 billion Malaria nets tender.

    Mulwa says the DP called him around July 11, 2023, and instructed him to hand over to his agent the original bid bond submitted by a company for the tender.

  • Court Declines To Stop DP Gachagua’s Impeachment Proceedings At The Senate

    Court Declines To Stop DP Gachagua’s Impeachment Proceedings At The Senate

    DP Rigathi Gachagua suffers major setback after High Court declines to stop Senate impeachment trial, rules Senate cannot be injucted by the court.

     

    In a ruling on Tuesday, October 15, Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the prayers by Gachagua’s legal team would not be granted, but added that some of the issues raised were of considerable concern.

    “In considering the application and the argument by parties, the prayer for grant of conservatory order is declined,” Justice Mwita ruled.

    Gachagua had filed 26 court cases challenging the legality and process of his ouster from office by impeachment.

    Top of the issues presented in the petitions against the impeachment proceedings is the alleged lack of meaningful public participation.

    “The public was denied their democratic rights, with participation purportedly conducted only at county headquarters for a single day, while the impeachment vote proceeded simultaneously at the National Assembly on October 8, 2024,” Paul Muite- the lead counsel for Gachagua submitted.

    The petition also noted that some of the figures from the public participation exercise were erroneous, pointing to their claim that the laid down procedures for the impeachment were violated.

    Gachagua also petitioned the courts that his inalienable right to a fair hearing was violated and that the Senate’s plenary hearings slated for Wednesday, October 16-17, should be stopped.

    Another issue submitted by Gachagua’s battery of lawyers is that the impeachment at the National Assembly was hurried in the evening and submitted irregularly to the Senate for consideration.

    On Monday, October 14, 2024, Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi ruled that a court of law cannot stop the hearing and subsequent determination of an impeachment case which has been submitted to any house of Parliament

  • CJ Koome Appoints A Three-Judge Bench To Determine Petitions Challenging Gachagua’s Impeachment

    CJ Koome Appoints A Three-Judge Bench To Determine Petitions Challenging Gachagua’s Impeachment

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has constituted a three-judge bench to hear and determine Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s petition challenging his impeachment.

    In her directive, Justice Koome assigned Justice Eric Ogola to preside over the case, with Justices Antony Mrima and Dr. Freda Mugambi as part of the panel. The judges are expected to hear Gachagua’s petition alongside five other petitions that have been filed challenging the impeachment process.

    The Deputy President will face the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday, where he is set to defend himself against 11 charges after the National Assembly approved the impeachment motion. A total of 282 MPs voted to remove Gachagua from office, leading to the impeachment trial.

    In the motion sponsored by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, Gachagua is accused of corruption, tribalism, abuse of office among others.

    The petitions challenging the impeachment process have raised concerns over the legality of the proceedings, with some calling into question the manner in which the charges were brought forward. The consolidated case will explore whether the due process was followed in line with constitutional requirements.

    Gachagua has maintained that the impeachment motion is politically motivated and has expressed confidence in the judiciary to deliver a fair ruling. The Senate, which is expected to conduct the trial over two days, will have the final say on the Deputy President’s fate.

    The outcome of the Senate’s vote will be significant, as it requires a two-thirds majority to uphold the National Assembly’s decision to impeach the Deputy President.

    This means 45 Senators must support it against the 67 Senators who include nominates and others representing various interests.

    The trial could be extended beyond Wednesday should more time be needed for the examination of evidence and witness testimonies.

    If impeached, this would be the first time a sitting Deputy President in Kenya faces removal from office through such a process as outlined in the 2010 Constitution.

  • Why Morara Kebaso Is Stepping Back From Activism

    Why Morara Kebaso Is Stepping Back From Activism

    Morara Kebaso, a well-known political activist, has announced a temporary retreat from activism to re-strategize amid mounting challenges.

    Frustrated by his followers’ lack of physical support during difficult times, Kebaso seeks to find new ways to mobilize loyal supporters.

    His decision follows recent police attacks and his arrest at the Bomas of Kenya during a public forum on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

    As tensions rise, Kebaso’s break is a calculated pause to rethink his approach while navigating the increasing political pressure against him.

    Why Morara Kebaso Is Stepping Back From Activism
    Morara explained that he’s facing challenges that require solutions, prompting his decision to take a break. He noted that while many show support online, they fail to stand by him in times of trouble. [PHOTO: Courtesy]

    Morara Kebaso Discouraged By Growing Frustration

    Political activist Morara Kebaso has decided to take a break from his activism. He announced this decision on Wednesday, citing the need to re-strategize and address challenges that have affected his efforts.

    The break comes after facing increasing attacks and a lack of physical support from his followers when he faces trouble.

    Morara expressed frustration with the fact that while many of his supporters cheer him online, they fail to stand by him in moments of crisis.

    “Most of my supporters cheer me online, but when I am in trouble, they never show up. I need a new strategy to mobilize my loyal supporters to have my back whenever I am under attack,” he stated on X.

    The activist revealed that recent police attacks against him have become more strategic, making it harder for the public to take notice.

    He emphasized that while he continues to fight for Kenya, he expects Kenyans to fight for him as well. The break is meant to allow him time to develop a plan to garner that kind of loyalty and support.

    Arrest at Bomas of Kenya

    Morara’s decision to step back comes just days after his arrest at the Bomas of Kenya during a public forum on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

    He was charged with creating a disturbance by uttering the words “kufa dereva kufa makanga,” which allegedly caused the public to react.

    Arrested from his office and detained at Lang’ata Police Station, Morara was later transferred to Hardy Police Station, where his lawyers successfully negotiated his release on bond.

    Morara is set to return to the police station on October 15 for arraignment. His lawyer, Cliff Ombeta, confirmed the release but made it clear that the legal battle is far from over.

    Morara’s arrest has sparked a political storm, with many questioning the government’s crackdown on activists. While he temporarily steps away, his decision signals a calculated pause to reassess his approach in the face of increasing political pressure.