Major crime squad questions Gachagua’s assistant, impeachment plan revealed

The Criminal Investigation Department’s Major Crimes Unit questioned three top aides of Vice President Rigati Gachagua on Tuesday for allegedly financing thugs during anti-government protests. The questioning took place at the vice president’s official residence.

Statements were made by former Nyeri Township MP and current political adviser to the Vice President, Ngunjiri Wambugu, and former Embakasi West MP and current youth adviser, Eric Theuri. The Vice President’s personal secretary, Munene wa Mumbi, also made a statement.

The Kenya Bureau of Investigation is investigating violent protests and looting in Nairobi, central Kenya and other parts of the country.

The Serious Crime Unit (SCU) at the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road summoned for questioning other allies of Vice President Gachagua, including Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Mejja Donk. Both were suspected of being involved in the infiltration of thugs during the Generation Z protest.

Further investigations are ongoing, with other MPs and a former governor also reportedly under investigation. They are expected to give testimony in relation to the unprecedented invasion of Parliament.

The police said there is not enough evidence to prove that these people are related to the suspected activities. They are looking for more information about the role of these people in the riots.

The investigation team has been relying on intelligence that they do not yet consider actionable.

DP Gachagua impeachment plan

The investigation into officials in Gachagua’s office comes after reports grew that the vice president was about to be impeached.

Rumors that began last month have now escalated into serious reports suggesting that a group of lawmakers and Cabinet Secretary nominees are plotting the impeachment of Gachagua.

Reportedly, 21 lawmakers and a Cabinet Secretary nominee attended a high-stakes meeting on Saturday evening to decide to move forward with the recall motion against Gachagua.

The attendees, mostly from the Mount Kenya region, criticised Gachagua for allegedly undermining President Ruto’s image and promoting divisive racial rhetoric. The Cabinet Secretary nominee reportedly said President Ruto was frustrated by Gachagua’s behaviour, which included making unreasonable demands for government appointments that favoured his community.

“Deputy President Gachagua’s actions have damaged the unity of our government. His divisive tribal rhetoric and constant demands for his community to hold government positions undermine President Ruto’s leadership,” said a member of parliament who attended the meeting.

‘‘Taking Ruto hostage’

The allegations against Gachagua include extortion and holding the president hostage to appoint individuals from the Mount Kenya region to important posts. One notable example was Gachagua’s insistence that the post of former Kenya Revenue Authority chief Giti Mburu be filled by someone from his region.

“Gachagua’s parochial and tribal approach to governance is unacceptable.” This was quoted by the media as saying by a member of parliament.

“His opposition to the Finance Bill 2024 and his attempt to convince pro-government MPs to rebel against it is a blatant act of insubordination.”

The CS nominee reportedly added, “The president is fed up with Gachagua’s antics. He frequently holds secret meetings with his community, inciting them to refuse to pay taxes and oppose government policies.”