Impeached Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua/Photo courtesy/
Embattled former Deputy President Hon. Rigathi Gachagua has spoken for the first time since he was impeached by the Senate two days ago over eleven charges, where five were found substantial.
Gachagua was impeached while in Karen hospital where he took illness as he was being waited to defend himself before the Senate.
While speaking with journalists moments after discharged from the hospital, the former second in power said that he picked illness while going to take his notes in order to defend himself at the Senate and was advised to seek medical attention, that’s why he could not make it to the Senate
”On my way to pick up my notes, I developed a very intense pain in the chest. I sat down, the pain continued, and it was very sharp. I called my doctor and described how I was feeling. As we were speaking, I started having shortness of breath,” narrated Gachagua.
Now out of danger of sickness, Gachagua is baffled that the person he helped clinch the Presidency turned against him and saw his impeachment sail through. He reiterated that he even faced prosecution in order to defend President William Ruto, who cannot reciprocate while he is battling for his health in hospital.
” I am shocked by how a man I helped become President, a man I believed in, and a man I was even prosecuted for supporting, could be so vicious against me when I am literally fighting for my life in the hospital. How can a man be so cruel?” added Gachagua.
To add on his woes, Gachagua was deprived of his security while in hospital and after his impeachment, more than 100 staff at the office of the Deputy President were sent on a compulsory leave. Even his close friends were purged and the whip did not favour nor have mercy on them.
“When I was here in the hospital, my brother and friend President Ruto ordered the withdrawal of my security in my Karen residence and rural home in Nyeri County. All officers close to me were disarmed and warned not to be anywhere near me.”
Rigathi Gachagua is now waiting for the outcome of the case he submitted to the High Court which ordered that his successor, that’s the newly appointed Deputy President Hon. Prof. Kithure Kindiki be stopped from taking oath of office until this case which was termed urgent be sorted. Kindiki was voted by all the MPs as the next DP after his appointment, now waiting swearing in.
The embattled politician has said that his health comes first and will concentrate on his life as he awaits for his fate.
“For now, my health and life comes first,” reiterated Gachagua.
Gachagua as voted together with President William Ruto as Deputy President and President, respectively on 2022 under United Democratic Alliance party.
He is the first Deputy President to be impeached in the history of Kenya under Constitution 2010.
