Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua finds himself embroiled in a political battle that could cost him not only his position but also a lifestyle most Kenyans can only dream of. Gachagua has been in office for 25 months, and by next Friday, when the impeachment proceedings are expected to be complete will be 25 months and five days.
The impeachment proceedings against him threaten to strip him of a lavish array of benefits, funded by the Kenyan taxpayer, that extend far beyond his Ksh1.2 million monthly salary.
At the forefront of these potential losses is a generous pension scheme. Upon retirement, a Deputy President is entitled to 80 per cent of their last monthly salary for life, providing a comfortable financial cushion.
This equates to Ksh951,240 per month for Gachagua, a substantial sum that would disappear if the impeachment is successful. In addition, he would lose a lump sum payment equivalent to one year's salary for each term served.
Beyond the significant financial hit, Gachagua faces the prospect of losing a range of perks designed to facilitate a luxurious lifestyle. Two saloon cars with engine capacities not exceeding 2000cc, a four-wheel drive vehicle with an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc, and a fuel allowance equivalent to 15 per cent of his salary are all at stake.
These vehicles, replaced every four years and maintained at taxpayer expense, represent a considerable financial advantage enjoyed by the Deputy President.
The potential impact of impeachment extends far beyond Gachagua's personal finances. A team of 16 staff members, including drivers, personal assistants, housekeepers, cooks, gardeners, cleaners, and armed security guards, would no longer be at his disposal.
This entourage, funded by the Kenyan taxpayer, highlights the privileged lifestyle afforded to the Deputy President, a privilege that could be revoked if he is found guilty of the charges against him.
Further underlining the high stakes of the impeachment proceedings is the potential loss of diplomatic passports for Gachagua and his spouse. These passports grant access to expedited travel and other diplomatic privileges, perks that would vanish if he is removed from office.
In addition, the provision of an office, office equipment, and access to VIP airport lounges would cease, showcasing the comprehensive nature of the potential losses.
Gachagua is not taking this threat lying down. His legal team has launched a two-pronged attack, appealing directly to Chief Justice Martha Koome to expedite a hearing on his case and filing a fresh petition in the High Court to block the Senate from considering the impeachment motion. He argues that the impeachment process was flawed, lacked genuine public participation, and was politically motivated.
The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Gachagua, with 282 MPs adopting the 11 charges against him. These charges range from corruption, gross misconduct, and gross violation of the Constitution to abuse of office, promoting ethnically divisive politics, and undermining the government. He faces accusations of acquiring properties through corrupt means, amassing assets worth Ksh5.2 billion in two years in unexplained wealth.
Gachagua vehemently denies any wrongdoing, claiming the accusations are "outrageous" and "sheer propaganda". He insists that his wealth, including properties worth Ksh5.2 billion, was acquired legitimately, some through inheritance from his late brother.
He has described the allegations against him as politically motivated attacks designed to tarnish his reputation.
The Senate is scheduled to debate Gachagua's fate next Wednesday and Thursday, October 16-17. A two-thirds majority vote, or 45 out of 67 senators, is needed to dismiss him. If the Senate upholds the impeachment, Gachagua will be removed from office, becoming the first Kenyan Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution to suffer this fate.
The outcome of the impeachment proceedings remains uncertain, but the potential consequences are substantial. Gachagua faces not only the loss of his political career but also a dramatic reduction in his standard of living.
