Rigathi Gachagua was elected on a joint ticket with President William Ruto just over two years ago
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political trajectory has taken a dramatic turn amid mounting crises, deadly protests, and growing dissent within Kenya’s ruling coalition. From his early controversies to recent allegations of mishandling nationwide demonstrations, Gachagua’s leadership has come under unprecedented scrutiny.
Recent months have seen Kenya plunge into significant unrest, with protests against the contentious Finance Bill 2024 resulting in at least 39 deaths and over 360 injuries, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The Deputy President’s response to these tragic events has been notably restrained, limited to ceremonial gestures such as calling for moments of silence at public functions.
“We must remember our children and security officers who lost their lives,” Gachagua stated at a conference for secondary school principals, a response critics have derided as inadequate given the gravity of the situation.
The current crisis follows a pattern of controversy that has dogged Gachagua since taking office. In early 2023, he faced significant backlash over corruption allegations dating back to his time as Mathira MP. Court records indicated that Ksh 202 million (approximately £1.2 million) in questionable transactions were traced to his accounts, though Gachagua maintained these were legitimate business dealings.
Ndindi Nyoro, MP for Kiharu, speaking in defence of the Deputy President, stated, “These are politically motivated attacks meant to derail the Deputy President’s focus on serving Kenyans.” However, opposition leaders have painted a different picture, with one senior opposition figure describing Gachagua as “a liability to the administration.”
The mounting pressure has culminated in unprecedented moves towards impeachment, with Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah confirming his support for the motion. “Two hundred people cannot overturn the will of the people,” Ichung’wah declared, signalling growing discontent even within the ruling coalition.
Professor Macharia Munene, a political analyst at USIU-Africa, provides context: “Gachagua’s situation reflects a broader crisis in Kenyan politics – the challenge of balancing regional interests with national unity. His struggles mirror the difficulties faced by previous deputy presidents in Kenya’s political history.”
Statistical evidence underscores the gravity of the situation:
- 39 confirmed deaths during recent protests
- Over 360 injuries reported by KNCHR
- Ksh 202 million in questioned transactions
- Public approval ratings dropping from 61% in January 2023 to 43% by early 2024 (according to TIFA Research)
The Deputy President’s promises of equitable resource distribution through his “one man, one shilling” initiative have remained largely unfulfilled, contributing to growing disillusionment among his base in the Mount Kenya region. Local leaders, however, remain steadfast in their support. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga warned, “This is an affront towards the mountain,” emphasising the regional implications of any move against Gachagua.
Recent investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations into alleged connections between Gachagua’s aides and anti-government protests have added another layer of complexity to his predicament. These probes have led to multiple interrogations of high-profile figures within his inner circle.
Looking ahead, political analysts suggest that Gachagua’s ability to weather this storm will depend largely on his capacity to rebuild trust with both the public and his coalition partners. Dr Jane Waithera, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi, observes: “The coming weeks will be crucial. Either Gachagua emerges stronger from these challenges, or we may witness a significant realignment in Kenya’s political landscape.”
For now, as Kenya grapples with economic challenges and political uncertainty, the fate of its Deputy President hangs in the balance. Whether Gachagua can transform from what critics call “a toothless dog that warns in vain” into an effective leader may well determine not just his political future, but also the stability of Kenya’s current administration.
The story continues to develop as new allegations emerge and political manoeuvring intensifies in Nairobi’s corridors of power.