Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a public plea for forgiveness, addressing President William Ruto and the Kenyan people during a church service at the National Prayer Altar in Karen, Nairobi. The apology comes as Gachagua faces an impeachment motion filed by opposition MP Mutuse Mwengi, alleging gross misconduct, constitutional violations, and economic crimes.
Speaking at the service, Gachagua acknowledged that his actions may have caused offence. “If in our zeal to work I have wronged you, please find it in your heart to forgive me,” he said, addressing President Ruto directly.
The deputy president’s apology extended beyond the president, encompassing parliament members, political opponents, and the general public. “To the people of Kenya, in our service across the country as we serve you, if there is anything we have done or said that you found unpalatable, that you found unacceptable, please find it in your heart to forgive me,” Gachagua stated.
This public display of contrition comes at a critical time for Gachagua. The impeachment motion, introduced in the National Assembly, accuses him of multiple infractions, including ethnic discrimination, misuse of office, and corruption.
The motion cites alleged violations of Articles 10, 27, and 73 of the Kenyan Constitution, which pertain to national values, non-discrimination, and integrity in public office. One of the key accusations revolves around Gachagua’s public statements suggesting preferential treatment based on voting patterns in the 2022 general election.
According to the impeachment document, Gachagua allegedly stated at a public event that government resources would be distributed based on “shares,” which he equated to votes cast for the current administration. Such statements have led to accusations of undermining national cohesion.
The deputy president is also facing allegations of economic crimes and financial impropriety. The motion outlines a complex web of businesses allegedly used for money laundering and concealing proceeds of crime. Companies such as Spirit Way Limited and Fortis Vis Group Limited, linked to Gachagua’s family members, are alleged to have accumulated substantial wealth through illicit means.
The motion details suspicious financial transactions, including a transfer of KSh 55.5 million from the Deputy President’s office to Agrobriq Investment Limited, a company tied to Gachagua, for renovations of his official residence.
During his church address, Gachagua called for peace and unity among Kenyans, particularly in regions where political tensions have been high. “Our people must stay together, they must continue loving one another, they must continue marrying and getting children, they must continue doing business together, and they must always seek for peace and peaceful coexistence,” he urged.
The deputy president also expressed faith in Kenya’s judicial system, stating, “I have faith in our system of law. We have competent men and women in our judiciary who I believe will uphold the Constitution, protect it with their zeal, and always uphold and protect the will of the Kenyan people.”
Despite the gravity of the allegations against him, Gachagua remained optimistic about the country’s future and his own political prospects. He encouraged his staff to continue working, stating, “I want to encourage our office staff not to feel discouraged. Let’s just continue working because we have a duty to serve the people of Kenya.”
