Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly opposed the impeachment debate scheduled for Tuesday, describing the motion introduced by MP Mwengi Mutuse as a fabrication and unfounded allegations.
During a press conference on Monday, Gachagua denied accusations of corruption and fraudulent property acquisition, stating that he would defend himself before the National Assembly.
The deputy president described the claims as “outrageous and baseless propaganda” intended to tarnish his reputation and remove him from office.
He specifically denied allegations that several properties mentioned in the impeachment motion were obtained through corrupt means, stating that the majority of the assets belonged to his late brother, James Nderitu Gachagua, who died in 2017 of pancreatic cancer.
“In his will, my late brother bequeathed his properties, assets, and cash. Among them were the Olive Garden Hotel, Vipingo Beach Resort, Queens Gate Apartment, and Langata Highrise Flats,” Gachagua stated. “Mutuse claims I acquired these properties after becoming deputy president in 2022, despite the fact that my brother died in 2017.”
Gachagua explained that his late brother had appointed him, Mwai Mathenge, and lawyer Njoroge as executors of his will.
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He also stated that part of the funds in his account came from the sale of the Olive Garden Hotel, as specified in the will.
The deputy president also criticised the recently completed public participation process, which sought Kenyans’ opinions on his proposed ouster.
He described the process as poorly executed and inaccessible to many citizens.
“The public participation was a shoddy exercise that most Kenyans couldn’t comprehend. The accusations were presented in highly legalistic language, making it difficult for people to make an informed decision. Additionally, my response wasn’t included in the materials provided to the public,” Gachagua said.
According to Gachagua, the Tuesday impeachment will be the most shameful act in House history, as legislators will attempt to remove a democratically elected leader based on fabrications.
