Members of Parliament in Kenya have initiated the process to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua amid serious allegations against him.

Supporters of the motion accuse Gachagua of being complicit in the deadly anti-government protests that occurred in June, as well as engaging in corruption, undermining government authority, and fostering ethnically divisive politics. Gachagua has categorically dismissed these allegations.

This impeachment effort marks a significant fallout between Gachagua and President William Ruto. On Tuesday, the Speaker of the National Assembly approved the impeachment proceedings after a motion received overwhelming support from 291 MPs, far exceeding the necessary threshold of 117.

Given the current political landscape, the impeachment is anticipated to pass smoothly through both houses of Parliament, especially with the main opposition aligning with Ruto’s party following recent protests. However, a date for the vote has yet to be established.

Previous attempts to halt the impeachment through the courts have failed, further underscoring the contentious nature of the situation. This power struggle between the president and his deputy raises concerns about potential instability within the government, especially as Kenya grapples with a deepening economic crisis.

Gachagua was selected as Ruto’s running mate in the closely contested 2022 elections, where they defeated former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The Deputy President, hailing from the influential Mount Kenya region, played a crucial role in rallying support for Ruto. However, the political dynamics have shifted following the recent protests, which led some members of Odinga’s party to join the government, leaving Gachagua increasingly isolated.

Despite the mounting pressure, Gachagua remains defiant, asserting that he retains the backing of voters from his central Kenya constituency. “Two hundred legislators cannot overturn the will of the people,” he stated.

For the impeachment motion to succeed, it requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the members in both the National Assembly and the Senate, excluding nominated members. Proponents of the motion express confidence that it will ultimately be approved.