Political Turmoil: Kenya's Deputy President Fights Impeachment

Kenya's Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, seeks a high court intervention to stop his impeachment, accusing it of being politically motivated. Tensions with President William Ruto's allies have surfaced, sparking allegations and protest activities. Gachagua contests claims of fomenting unrest and denies any wrongdoing.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has moved to the high court in Nairobi to seek a halt to the impeachment process that lawmakers initiated against him earlier this week. The impeachment motion was launched by allies of President William Ruto, who accused Gachagua of inciting ethnic division, undermining the government, and possessing unexplained wealth, according to court documents.

Gachagua has dismissed accusations from Ruto's allies and refuted claims that he was responsible for violent anti-government demonstrations earlier this year. He labeled the impeachment effort a 'choreographed political lynching' meant to overturn the Kenyan people's will, as expressed in the August 2022 presidential election.

Originating from the densely populated Mount Kenya region, Gachagua was instrumental in rallying votes for Ruto's presidential bid. However, tensions have reportedly risen between them after Ruto included opposition coalition members in his government. The impeachment proceedings, which include public participation and Gachagua's eventual response scheduled for Oct. 8, have yet to receive comment from Ruto.

(With inputs from agencies.)