The political landscape in Kenya is heating up as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua fights for his survival. In his recent outburst, the country’s second in command linked former President Uhuru Kenyatta to the anti-tax protests.
In a Press briefing on June 26, Gachagua claimed there was an elaborate scheme to frame former President Uhuru Kenyatta and him.
“They were trying to put up a team together to craft lies and propaganda and attribute the chaos that was in the country to leaders, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and I included,” Gachagua said in a press briefing from Mombasa.
According to Gachagua, the protests were caused by the anger of the people of Kenya against the Finance Bill 2024.
However, in a close rejoinder, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, a long-time political ally turned foe of Gachagua, defended Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kuria, who has not been seeing eye to eye with Gachagua, said Uhuru’s record speaks for itself.
“I have my differences of opinion and style with my friend Uhuru Kenyatta. But for all the years I have known him he has never sponsored violence in Mt Kenya region unlike your fake DO Dimwit Kingpin who burnt Nyeri, Embu, Thika, Kikuyu Township,” Kuria stated in a statement on June 27.
![Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria. Photo/Kuria(X)](https://thekenyatimes.com/storage/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-27T171225.653.png)
Gachagua faces Impeachment threat
At the same time, the DP is now facing a possible impeachment, after attacking National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji.
In his charged briefing, Gachagua called for the immediate resignation Haji for alleged incompetence.
Leaders from Northeastern region came out guns blazing, telling off the DP, and describing his remarks as not only reckless but also unfortunate.
The leaders indicated that the DP’s sentiments demean the presidency and demanded that he resigns or face impeachment.
Also Read: Kuria Blasts Gachagua After Scathing Attack on Noordin Haji
Led by Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim, they alleged that the Deputy President is attacking Haji after he foiled his attempts to destabilize the country using the anti-finance bill demonstrations.
“We therefore call on him to resign immediately. Failure to do so will compel us as members of the parliament to pursue impeachment proceedings against him,” Maalim said.
“Gen Z protests only turned violent due to criminal infiltrators organized and financed by Gachagua and associates, potentially destabilizing the government that he serves,” he added.
The Dadaab MP further described Gachagua’s attacks on Haji as an open sabotage of President William Ruto.
![Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Photo/Gachagua(X)](https://thekenyatimes.com/storage/2024/06/Untitled-design-2024-06-15T152203.968.png)
Also Read: Ruto Under Pressure to Dissolve Parliament & Call Fresh Elections
Harassment of Members of Parliament
Additionally, Gachagua had alleged that he was informed that some Members of Parliament (MPs), who voted against the Bill “are being targeted for harassment over their political stand.”
“I want to call on the National Intelligence Service not to take us back to the dark old days of the Nyayo era where you create propaganda and schemes to undermine leaders and those you don’t agree with,” he said.
Gachagua emphasized that only President William Ruto and the Kenyan electorate had the authority to direct his actions, not the alleged conspirators.
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![President William Ruto (left) with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Photo\Courtesy](https://thekenyatimes.com/storage/2024/06/Untitled-design-80.png)
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