Gachagua’s Fall from Grace: Past Comments Haunt Him as He Battles Ruto.

Rigathi Gachagua was stretchered into the hospital as the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, but when he walked out three days later, he emerged a member of the opposition. Gachagua, known for his take-no-prisoners approach to politics, has shocked, flabbergasted, and confused both friends and enemies alike with his unfiltered remarks.

His recent statements have sparked a dramatic shift in the political landscape. Last Sunday, instead of praising President Ruto and his government, Gachagua’s rhetoric took a different turn. Following his impeachment by Parliament, he transformed into an outspoken critic of the administration he once fervently supported, illustrating how quickly the tides can turn in Kenyan politics.

During the final day of his Senate impeachment proceedings, Gachagua fell ill, but the Senate, despite pleas from his legal team to postpone the vote, moved ahead with the impeachment. Upon his discharge from the hospital, he emerged visibly shaken, declaring himself the bona fide office holder despite the court orders to the contrary.

Gachagua’s narrative has shifted dramatically as he recounted alleged poisoning attempts on his life. His once-comrades are now depicted as adversaries, and in a bare-knuckle attack, he placed the blame squarely on President William Ruto for his current predicament. He claimed that his opposition to certain controversial policies had become his political Waterloo.

As he navigated the fallout, Gachagua pointed fingers at the Indian conglomerate Adani Group and voiced his dissent against punitive taxes that Kenyans had been subjected to. He claimed he had consistently opposed these measures and even denounced the now-rejected Finance Bill 2024, which had incited significant protests among the youth.

However, a closer examination reveals contradictions in Gachagua’s claims. In a media briefing on September 29, 2024, he denied knowledge of the Adani-JKIA leasing deal, asserting that the details had never reached the Cabinet. How he could oppose something he was unaware of remains a riddle for the public. His previous endorsements of the Kenya Kwanza government’s policies, including its tax strategies, stand in stark contrast to his current positions.

Just a month prior, while addressing a gathering at the Nyeri Golf Club, Gachagua defended Ruto’s foreign trips and the government’s revenue collection strategies. He rationalized the heavy taxes imposed on Kenyans, claiming it was part of the necessary sacrifices for financial obligations. His previous support for the administration now seems to have evaporated, leaving many to question his sincerity.

Moreover, Gachagua’s criticism of the withdrawal of his security detail rings hollow, given that he previously supported similar actions against opposition figures like Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka. His past as a pro-establishment apologist stands in stark contrast to his current portrayal as a victim of political machinations.

Now, with his security stripped away and facing the monumental task of overturning his impeachment, Gachagua is turning to the courts. He argues that the High Court should hear his case, marking a significant moment in Kenyan political history, as he becomes the first Deputy President to face impeachment.

As Gachagua walks the streets of Nairobi as a common citizen, the trappings of power—such as a heavily armed escort and an entourage—are now replaced by a more mundane existence. His brief political career has taught him the hard lesson that trust is a rare commodity in Kenyan politics.

Gachagua’s transformation from a powerful Deputy President to a political outsider serves as a stark reminder of the precarious nature of political alliances and the consequences of one’s words. As he battles not only his political opponents but also the ghosts of his past comments, the question remains: can he reclaim his political stature, or will his fall from grace become permanent?

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.