Kenya’s politics is full of surprises, and the recent impeachment drama is no different. President William Ruto had his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, removed just two years after they were elected together.
While losing a second-in-command might seem like a major setback, this didn’t seem to worry Ruto.
Once Gachagua was accused of dividing the country with his politics, Ruto didn’t waste time and stayed quiet as parliament impeached him, following a legal process seen live on TV.
According to BBC, this removal caused mixed reactions, especially in Gachagua’s home region of Mount Kenya, which had been crucial in helping Ruto win the 2022 election.
At first, there was disappointment and even betrayal felt by many, but when Ruto replaced Gachagua with Kithure Kindiki, also from Mount Kenya, the situation calmed down.
BBC reports that the reason this region is so important is because it carries about a quarter of the country’s votes, making it essential for any president to keep them on their side.
BBC explains that Gachagua’s attempt to strengthen his control over the Mount Kenya region backfired. Clips played during the impeachment showed him promoting divisive messages, such as saying only areas that supported the government would be prioritized.
Even though Ruto himself made similar remarks, Gachagua was the one blamed and eventually removed.
What makes this even more interesting is Ruto’s alliance with Raila Odinga, his main rival from the 2022 election. As BBC reports, Odinga’s supporters, who had fiercely opposed Ruto just two years ago, now backed Gachagua’s removal.
This alliance is yet another example of Kenya’s ever-shifting political scene, where old enemies can become new friends.
Although Gachagua is challenging his impeachment in court, his political future remains uncertain.
As the BBC points out, at 59, he could be facing political exile, but in Kenyan politics, where alliances change constantly, nothing is impossible.
One day, we might even see Gachagua and Ruto smiling together on TV again.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgmlx4vvg9o