CIVICUS discusses the recent impeachment of Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with Nerima Wako, political analyst and Executive Director of Siasa Place, a youth-led civic tech organisation that promotes young people’s engagement in politics, governance and civic life.

Following an impeachment trial, Kenya’s Senate voted to remove Gachagua from office. It upheld five of 11 charges, including corruption and inciting ethnic divisions. Gachagua’s unprecedented dismissal highlights internal divisions in President William Ruto’s government, with friction over policies such as forced evictions. Gachagua denies the charges and claims his impeachment was a political manoeuvre. The impeachment raises questions about Kenya’s political stability.

Why was Gachagua impeached?

Gachagua’s tenure began on shaky ground. At the height of the 2022 election, Ruto took some time to appoint a running mate. There were several negotiations and intense lobbying behind the scenes. Many expected Kithure Kindiki, recently nominated as the replacement deputy president, to be chosen because he was popular within Kenya Kwanza, Ruto’s political alliance, had an extensive educational background and was deeply involved in civil society.

But to everyone’s surprise, the chosen one was Gachagua, who had only become a household name after serving as a district officer and then entering politics following the death of his older brother. Some argue that he was chosen for the votes he could deliver from his community and the financial resources he could bring to the campaign.

Gachagua is accused of corruption and inciting ethnic divisions. But this is not the first time he has faced legal charges. Even before he became Ruto’s running mate, he was under investigation for fraud amounting to KSh7.3 billion (approx. US$56.4 million). After the election, these cases were quickly dropped.

The charges Gachagua faces, while serious and worthy of investigation, have been heavily politicised and inadequately investigated. It all appears to be a political tactic rather than a step towards reform. Some speculate that Ruto never fully supported him and now, halfway into his term, needs to show some positive results after handing out positions as political favours during his election campaign. This impeachment therefore looks more like an attempt to sideline Gachagua than a genuine attempt at accountability, particularly since other officials with similarly questionable pasts remain in power.

Corruption has deep roots in Kenyan society. Our platform zKE shows examples of young people being asked to pay bribes for simple services such as obtaining identity cards, accessing health insurance and securing the release of someone who has been illegally arrested. Corruption affects the daily lives of Kenyans. It’s a big, systemic problem that won’t be solved by targeting a single high-profile figure.

What impact has the impeachment had?

Gachagua’s impeachment highlighted internal divisions within the government and the disconnect between political priorities and people’s needs. But it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Many people feel neglected by the government. They feel politicians move quickly when an issue benefits their agenda, but not when it affects people’s livelihoods and wellbeing. Some policy hearings are held with a full house in sessions that go on until midnight, but bills that address people’s needs are sidelined.

Politicians don’t seem to care about the consequences of their actions on people’s daily lives. The introduction of social health insurance, for example, was a disaster. During the transition to the new system, people who needed life-saving treatments such as dialysis were left without care, and several families lost loved ones as a result of mismanagement.

This misalignment of priorities and interests has undermined trust, fuelled public frustration and ultimately driven people to protest.

Do you see any changes in the way Kenyans engage with political issues?

I think the recent protests have significantly changed political participation in Kenya, particularly among young people. There have been cases where virtual parliamentary hearings have been disrupted by people demanding accountability. People are now actively exposing stalled projects and holding leaders to account. They are closely monitoring their representatives’ actions and expressing their frustration. Kenyans are becoming more vocal, and political discussions have moved into everyday social settings such as bars and parties, as well as online.

This marks the beginning of a new era in which Kenyans refuse to remain silent. They want to know how county budgets are being spent and they want to be informed about the issues being debated, whether by attending meetings or sharing their opinions online. There is a growing appetite for transparency, and it seems Kenyans are no longer willing to sit on the sidelines.