CS Duale details Gachagua’s political missteps that led to impeachment
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Duale asserted that loyalty ultimately yields significant rewards.
Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has characterised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as a fundamentally decent individual, albeit with notable shortcomings.
In a candid interview on Citizen TV Wednesday evening, Duale addressed Gachagua's impeachment, highlighting the critical importance of fidelity to the Constitution and accountability to the Kenyan populace.
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Duale recounted his own experience of being dismissed from the Cabinet alongside President William Ruto, asserting that loyalty ultimately yields significant rewards.
He further recalled how former President Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly urged him to join the opposition Azimio coalition, but he chose to stand by Ruto.
This decision cost him a key position as the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, but Duale is steadfast in his belief that it was worthwhile.
"Riggy G (Rigathi Gachagua) is a good man, but I think he needed to be very loyal. I tell colleagues, even in Cabinet, and many people there's a lot of dividends in loyalty. Loyalty pays, and I am a living example of loyalty," Duale said.
The CS attributed Gachagua's impeachment to his tendency to make political enemies instead of fostering alliances.
He recounted various impeachment attempts he witnessed throughout his career, including a 2009 plot against Ruto, then Minister of Agriculture.
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with lawyer SC Paul Muite at Milimani Law Courts for the hearing of his case on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. (Photo: Handout)
"The current President had an impeachment motion tabled against him when he was the Minister of Agriculture, but his impeachment turned into a vote of confidence," Duale explained.
He was among the 115 MPs who supported Ruto during that critical moment.
According to Duale, Gachagua's approach ultimately led to his impeachment, marking him as the first sitting Deputy President in Kenya's history to be removed from office.
The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly, with 281 MPs supporting the motion and only 40 opposing it.
Duale stressed the importance of building political friendships and how Gachagua's strategy of alienating potential allies backfired during the impeachment vote.
"He (Gachagua) invested more in creating enemies than friends," Duale noted, highlighting the unprecedented nature of such a large number of MPs voting in favour of an impeachment motion.
Following Gachagua's removal, President William Ruto nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary Professor Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President.
The National Assembly approved his nomination, and he is now awaiting swearing-in as the president's principal assistant.
Meanwhile, Gachagua moved to court, challenging the basis on which the Senate endorsed the charges for his removal, arguing that they were not substantiated. The court is expected to rule today on whether Kindiki can be sworn into office.
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