Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua refers to himself as a “truthful man,” crediting his rapid political rise to his readiness to confront authority. Yet, as he currently navigates impeachment proceedings, Gachagua admits that his candidness has landed him in hot water.
Before entering Parliament in 2017, Gachagua was largely an unknown figure outside his central Kenya constituency. His prominence increased significantly in the lead-up to the 2022 elections, where he strongly opposed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s preferred candidate. While Kenyatta campaigned vigorously for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Gachagua backed William Ruto, then Kenyatta’s deputy, who aimed for the presidency.
His combative style was particularly noticeable during political rallies, where he did not hold back from criticizing Kenyatta directly. At one point, he provocatively stated, “Don’t kill me the way your father killed JM Kariuki,” alluding to a long-standing unresolved political assassination.
Prior to his current position, Gachagua faced arrest over corruption and money-laundering allegations, but those charges were dropped once he and Ruto came to power following the elections. He played a crucial role in securing support from the Mount Kenya region, a pivotal voting bloc in Ruto’s electoral success.
After being sworn in two years ago, Gachagua shifted from being a confidant of Kenyatta to one of his fiercest critics. He later expressed remorse towards Kenyatta, calling his past actions “foolish” and describing them as a conflict with “my own brother.” This moment of humility stands in stark contrast to his earlier aggressive political demeanor, which earned him the title of a “feared political bulldog” and made him quite popular among the general public.
Despite being a relatively fresh face in politics with only five years of experience, Gachagua was appointed Deputy President against more seasoned candidates. Ruto defended this choice, highlighting Gachagua’s commitment to serving everyday people as a vital asset.
However, just two years into his term, Gachagua is now grappling with serious challenges including allegations of corruption, misconduct, and insubordination. A recent motion for his impeachment has gained momentum in Parliament, with 291 of the 349 MPs signing it—only 233 are needed for dismissal.
Critics contend that Gachagua has struggled to unify his political base and has failed to maintain the initial support that propelled him to power amidst the current crisis. His reputation for being outspoken has only grown in recent times, although he insists he is merely speaking truth to power—an assertion that many believe has distanced him from important political allies.
Gachagua takes pride in his lineage as a descendant of the Mau Mau freedom fighters, presenting himself as a champion for the central Kenyan people. Nonetheless, he faces criticism for allegedly fostering tribalism rather than uniting various communities. He argues that advocating for Mount Kenya is not inherently hostile to other groups.
Before his political career, Gachagua had a successful tenure as a public administrator, notably serving as a district officer during Moi’s presidency. His wealth stems from private business endeavors, and he strives to balance his political responsibilities with family life, being married to a pastor and raising two sons.
Despite the controversies surrounding his political style, Gachagua’s journey from relative obscurity to the deputy presidency has been characterized by a mix of fiery rhetoric and significant missteps—his words serving as both stepping stones and possible pitfalls.
