I'm ready for impeachment consequences - Gachagua declares

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua exuded confidence as he addressed the looming threat of impeachment, asserting that the truth behind the accusations against him would eventually come to light, regardless of the outcome.

The DP refuted claims on Monday that he has amassed wealth worth billions of shillings irregularly through purchasing top-notch hotels since getting into office.

Facing the looming threat of impeachment, Gachagua held a media roundtable targeting the Rift Valley region, making an emotional appeal to the president and regional leaders to reconsider the push for his removal from office.

"You will be shocked. Let's wait and see (whether the impeachment happens). I hear the motion is tomorrow."

"I am ready for the consequences of the impeachment. I will not die. No one dies after being impeached," a confident Gachagua stated.

The visibly upset Gachagua further expressed frustration over accusations that he had accumulated Sh5.7 billion in assets since becoming President William Ruto's principal deputy, insisting that he had long been a wealthy man before his inauguration.

"Kenyans know very well that when I took office, I was not poor," Gachagua stated.

"My wealth has always been documented in public. In 2019, I was worth Sh12 billion. In 2022, I had Sh7 billion to my name."

According to the impeachment motion to be tabled before the Parliament on Tuesday, Gachagua's alleged properties include Tree Tops Hotel, Outspan Hotel from Aberdare Safari Hotels, Olive Gardens Hotel, and Vipingo Beach Resort in Kilifi County among others.

Documents set to be presented before MPs claim that Gachagua acquired the properties through close family members and his sons Kevin Rigathi Gachagua, and Keith Ikinu Rigathi.

Addressing allegations of diverting public funds into his sons' bank accounts, the Deputy President clarified that he had established businesses well before assuming his current role.

He said, "I'm not involved in corruption. I have always been in business even before I became a government official. My sons have never worked with the government as I have always told them to invest in the private sector. If there is anyone who has evidence of any business dealings, they can come forward."

Gachagua further clarified that Tree Top Hotel, cited in the impeachment motion obtained by *The Eastleigh Voice*, was leased from the Kenya Wildlife Service and not owned by him, as alleged in the motion.

In addition, he maintained that his children took hefty loans to be able to invest in their businesses.