The proceedings could deprive him of a lavish list of benefits that extend beyond his Ksh1.2 million monthly salary.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is walking on a tightrope politically after 281 Members of Parliament (MP) voted to impeach him at the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 8. His fate lies at the hands of Senators who could decide whether or not he will lose not just his position but the plum lifestyle that comes with it.
Gachagua has been in office for 25 months, and by Thursday, October 17, when the impeachment proceedings are expected to be complete will be 25 months and five days. The proceedings could deprive him of a lavish list of benefits that extend beyond his Ksh1.2 million monthly salary.
Should the Senate vote in favour of the MPs and throw him out of the DP post, Gachagua will first of all lose a generous pension scheme. According to the Retirement Benefits Act of 2015, a retired Deputy President is entitled to a monthly pension equivalent to 80 per cent of their last monthly salary while in office.
This equates to Ksh951,240 per month for Gachagua, a substantial sum that would cease to flow towards him if the impeachment is successful. In addition, he would lose a lump sum payment equivalent to one year’s salary for each term served.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at State House, Nairobi, on July 19, 2024. /PCS
That’s not all. Gachagua also risks losing a range of perks designed to facilitate a luxurious lifestyle, and these include two saloon cars with engine capacities not exceeding 2000cc, a four-wheel drive vehicle with an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc, and a fuel allowance equivalent to 15 per cent of his salary are all at stake.
These vehicles, replaced every four years and maintained at taxpayer expense, represent a considerable financial advantage enjoyed by the Deputy President.
The potential impact of impeachment extends far beyond Gachagua’s finances. A team of 16 staff members, including drivers, personal assistants, housekeepers, cooks, gardeners, cleaners, and armed security guards, would no longer be at his disposal.
This entourage, funded by the Kenyan taxpayer, highlights the privileged lifestyle afforded to the Deputy President, a privilege that could be revoked if he is found guilty of the charges against him.
Further underlining the high stakes of the impeachment proceedings is the potential loss of diplomatic passports for Gachagua and his spouse. These passports grant access to expedited travel and other diplomatic privileges, perks that would vanish if he is removed from office.
In addition, the provision of an office, office equipment, and access to VIP airport lounges would cease, showcasing the comprehensive nature of the potential losses.
The fear of losing such healthy benefits explains why Gachagua is putting everything in his might to avoid losing a seat so easily following the months and years he has fought to get and keep it…get it through President William Ruto.
He also risks losing his bodyguards should he be impeached as DP, and recent sightings of him interacting freely with Kenyans at a shopping mall in Karen, Nairobi without the presence of heavy security offered some Kenyans a sign of what was to come. Gachagua appeared to be free in all the photos and videos except for one where three men (two with black caps and one with a yellow cap) seemed to be controlling the crowd.
A notable instance of Gachagua going about his duties like a normal man was when he drew public attention in June when he boarded a Kenya Airways flight to Mombasa. The DP was seen carrying his own bag while walking into the plane without any security officers.
However, National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah responded by saying Gachagua was well protected in the flight, adding that the DP travelled with at least 14 bodyguards drawn from the elite RECCE Company.
He stated that Gachagua’s decision to carry his own luggage was down to him since he had staff who could do that. “The DP was also very well secured, and I can confirm that to the country. He had with him not less than 19 bodyguards. 14 of whom he was to travel with on that aircraft,” Ichung’wah said.
“Therefore, he had no problems with people carrying his bags; let nobody think that DP had problems with people carrying his bags. He had not less than three photographers to take the photographs.”
The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Gachagua, with 282 MPs adopting the 11 charges against him. These charges range from corruption, gross misconduct, and gross violation of the Constitution to abuse of office, promoting ethnically divisive politics, and undermining the government. He faces accusations of acquiring properties through corrupt means, amassing assets worth Ksh5.2 billion in two years in unexplained wealth.
In anticipation of the Senate going against him, his legal team appealed directly to Chief Justice Martha Koome to expedite a hearing on his case and filed a fresh petition in the High Court to block the Senate from considering the impeachment motion. He argued that the impeachment process was flawed, lacked genuine public participation, and was politically motivated.
CJ Koome on Monday, October 14 granted their wishes and formed a three-judge bench to determine the impeachment case. Meanwhile, the High Court is set to rule on Tuesday, October 15 whether the Senate will be allowed to proceed with considering the motion or not.
Collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the Senate in Parliament. /DPPS.PARLIAMENT KENYA