Gachagua alleges bribery attempt amid impeachment turmoil

In a candid interview broadcast live across the Mulembe Nation radio stations today, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua broke his silence on the political maelstrom that led to his impeachment.

He lamented the concept of “shareholding” in government and revealed an alleged attempt to bribe him into resigning before the ouster motion.

Reflecting on his tenure, Gachagua criticized the notion of political “shareholding,” where positions and resources are distributed based on electoral support.

“This idea of shareholding has turned governance into a theater of the absurd,” he remarked. “It’s a disservice to the citizens when leaders prioritize personal gains over national interest.”

Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024 was a historic event, marking the first time a Kenyan deputy president was removed from office through such proceedings. The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of the motion, with 281 members supporting the impeachment, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. The charges against him included corruption, undermining the government, and engaging in ethnically divisive politics.

During the interview, Gachagua disclosed that he was approached with a bribe of KSh 2B and other perks to step down before the impeachment motion was tabled.

“They offered me incentives of KSh 2B to resign quietly,” he alleged, “but I refused to betray the trust of the Kenyan people who elected me. How can the person who orchestrated my ouster also give me survival plan?”

He also addressed the accusations of corruption, particularly the claim that he had amassed wealth estimated at Ksh 5.2 billion through illicit means. Gachagua vehemently denied these allegations, stating, “My conscience is clear. I have not engaged in any corrupt activities. These charges were fabricated to tarnish my reputation.”

The former deputy president expressed disappointment over the manner in which his impeachment was handled, citing a lack of due process and fairness. He pointed out that during the Senate hearings, his request for an adjournment due to health issues was denied, forcing the proceedings to continue in his absence.

Gachagua’s revelations have sparked a renewed debate on the integrity of Kenya’s political processes. Critics argue that his impeachment was politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent within the government. Supporters, however, maintain that the move was necessary to uphold accountability and ethical governance.

Political analyst Dr. Wanjiku Mwangi commented on the situation, stating, “Gachagua’s allegations, if true, expose a deep-seated culture of corruption and power struggles within the political elite. It raises questions about the commitment of our leaders to democratic principles and the rule of law.”

In his closing remarks, Gachagua called for a reevaluation of the country’s political culture. “We must move away from politics of patronage and focus on service delivery to the citizens,” he urged. “Kenya deserves leadership that is transparent, accountable, and dedicated to the welfare of its people.”