Kenyan MPs have initiated the process to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of involvement in June’s deadly anti-government protests, corruption, undermining the government, and promoting ethnically divisive politics. Gachagua has denied the allegations.

Political analysts see this as a significant fallout between Gachagua and President William Ruto, with the impeachment proceedings gaining momentum after Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker allowed the process to begin. The motion was supported by 291 MPs, far surpassing the required 117. The impeachment is expected to pass through both houses of parliament, following support from the main opposition party, which joined forces with Ruto’s party after youth-led protests forced the president to halt a proposed tax increase.

The power struggle comes at a time when Kenya is facing economic and financial challenges, raising concerns about government instability. Gachagua, who was once a key ally of President Ruto and played a pivotal role in securing the Mount Kenya region votes during the 2022 election, now finds himself increasingly isolated. Despite this, he remains defiant, stating that his backing from voters in central Kenya remains strong.

For the impeachment motion to succeed, it requires a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and Senate. Supporters of the motion are confident of its success, despite Gachagua’s continued claims of support from his home region.