Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while appearing at Parliament
The Kenyan government has withdrawn the remaining four security officers assigned to impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, completing the removal of his state security detail following his impeachment on October 17.
The move comes just days after the government had partially reinstated his security, initially assigning him two elite General Service Unit (GSU) bodyguards and deploying police officers to his Karen residence. Gachagua had previously been left without state protection immediately after his impeachment, forcing him to rely on private security.
“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” stated Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, who has been vocal about the security situation of the then Deputy President. The Senator urged the government to reinstate Gachagua’s staff members who were sent on compulsory leave following the impeachment.
During his hospitalization on October 20 at the Karen Hospital, Gachagua expressed concerns for his safety including more than two attempts to assassinate him. The partial reinstatement of his security detail on October 27 also included the return of two official vehicles, which he used to attend a church service.
The former Deputy President continues to face legal battles as he contests his impeachment. Court hearings are scheduled to determine his political future and security arrangements.