Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua today, October 17, marks one year since his impeachment – condemned to fade into obscurity but stubbornly refusing to.
His photo leaving Karen Hospital on October 20, 2024, accompanied only by his weeping wife Pastor Dorcas and a few friends, convinced many that his political career was over.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and their son Kevin Gachagua leave Karen Hospital in Nairobi on October 20, 2024.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Although he waged a spirited court battle to stop his removal, he lost and was replaced by Prof Kithure Kindiki , who was sworn in on November 1, 2024. The case remains in court, with Mr Gachagua seeking to overturn the impeachment and claim compensation for what he terms an unconstitutional “crucifixion.”
The impeachment motion, moved by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, accused Mr Gachagua of gross constitutional violations, abuse of office, and acquisition of wealth worth Sh5.2 billion inconsistent with his income. He was found guilty on five of the 11 charges, effectively barring him from holding public office for ten years.
Other charges included ethnic incitement, interference with county functions, and attacks on state institutions such as the National Intelligence Service.
Despite the political machinery arrayed against him—drawing support from Kenya Kwanza, ODM, and Jubilee – only Wiper Party MPs, led by Kalonzo Musyoka , voted to save him.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (left) confers with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a past event.
Photo credit: DPCS
But what was meant to be Gachagua’s political death has turned into a headache for President William Ruto ’s re-election bid.
“It is political naivety not to realise that Gachagua is now among the key determinants of how 2027 will end,” says political analyst Herman Manyora.
Manyora argues that the impeachment backfired, fuelling rebellion in the Mt Kenya region –home to 47 per cent of President Ruto’s 2022 vote.
“The region blessed its fallen son to lead them on a revenge mission through the Wantam clarion call,” he adds.
Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua gestures during an interview with NTV at his Karen home in Nairobi on June 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek had predicted Gachagua’s quick demise, saying, “There goes a man we are happy to see fall – within two weeks he’ll be forgotten.”
But the Mountain refused to forget. Within weeks, open rebellion emerged in churches, burials, and local gatherings.
“Even for us who supported Gachagua, we didn’t foresee the scale of revolt,” recalls Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga. “People openly booed the President and those who endorsed the impeachment became outcasts.”
Naivasha MP Jane Kihara says the impeachment “healed” Gachagua politically. “We encouraged him to rise from the humiliation and rally our people for a structured comeback in 2027,” she says.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara in Parliament.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia adds: “I thank God I moved with the people to express unforgivable anger against those who plotted the impeachment.”
“What was meant to shame me became my moment of glory,” he told Nation on October 12, 2025.
He alleges that state operatives withdrew his security, trailed his family, and sponsored attacks to intimidate him. “Instead, I aligned with the people who had grown disillusioned with President Ruto’s rule,” he said.
Gachagua has since formed the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and joined forces with Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua , Justin Muturi, Kajiado Senator Kenar Seki, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and Mithika Linturi in building a united opposition to counter Ruto’s re-election bid.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua makes his address during the unveiling ceremony of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) in Lavington, Nairobi on May 15, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
However, he faces rivalry from Prof Kindiki, President Ruto’s new Mt Kenya point man, and from emerging contenders such as Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
In the escalating war of words, Gachagua has dismissed his critics as “fools and traitors.” Prof Kindiki fired back on October 14, saying: “This primitive, prideful and bigoted politics will collapse on its head. Democracy must be about persuasion and respect – not dangerous ethnic chauvinism.”
But Gachagua retorted during a rally in Kirinyaga: “Let those opposed to me face the people in the markets, not hide in tents or behind police security.”
A year after his fall, Gachagua’s defiance continues to redefine Mt Kenya politics—and haunt those who once wrote him off.
