Political commentator Wahome Thuku has dismissed allegations that bribery influenced the MPs who impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in 2024. Speaking on Facebook on August 16, 2026, Thuku asserted that the majority of lawmakers had already resolved to remove Gachagua from office before any financial considerations.
Thuku emphasized that the 282 MPs who voted for the impeachment in the National Assembly would have supported the motion regardless of payments, and would likely do so again if given the chance.
Background on the Impeachment
The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Gachagua on October 8, 2024, with 282 in favor, 44 against, and one abstention. The Senate later upheld the decision. The impeachment motion was introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse and seconded by then Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya.
According to Thuku, the impeachment was largely fueled by political disagreements between Gachagua and the government, with many MPs already determined to remove him.
He also revealed that President William Ruto had previously intervened to stop earlier impeachment attempts against Gachagua.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
Thuku argued that the public backlash against Gachagua’s impeachment was not as widespread as claimed. Instead, some of the discontent in Mt Kenya was aimed at President Ruto for involving opposition ODM lawmakers in the process, while others called for the entire government to be replaced.
He noted that calls for Ruto's removal began even when Gachagua was still Deputy President.
Looking ahead to 2027, Thuku suggested Gachagua’s political relevance will depend on his ability to rally opposition against Ruto. He challenged Gachagua’s supporters to test this at the polls by pitting the two against each other.
“If you or anyone doubts me, just put Riggy G and Ruto as the only two candidates on the ballot in 2027, then we wait for results,” Thuku stated.
