Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has refuted claims that his children, Kelvin and Keith, purchased the iconic Treetops Hotel in Aberdare National Park.
Addressing the media in Rift Valley on Monday, Gachagua clarified that his children had secured a loan to lease, not buy, the hotel from Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).
He emphasized, “The hotel remains the property of KWS, and it has only been leased.” Gachagua noted that 58 people have been employed under the new management, dismissing circulating rumors as false.
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He further suggested that these accusations were part of a broader effort to discredit him before his impending impeachment hearing.
Gachagua is set to face impeachment on Tuesday, with accusations ranging from abuse of office to incitement of ethnic hatred. Critics claim his statements have violated Article 10 of Kenya's Constitution, which outlines the principles of good governance and national unity.
Additionally, he faces charges related to Articles 147, 148, 174, 186, and 189, which detail the duties and conduct expected of the Deputy President.
On Monday, efforts to stop the impeachment process hit a roadblock when constitutional courts rejected four separate attempts. Former Senator Cleophas Malala’s petition to halt the motion was also dismissed, with Justice Bahati Mwamuye directing the National Assembly to respond by Thursday, October 3, 2024.
The impeachment motion, led by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, requires 233 votes. As of Sunday, reports suggest that 302 MPs had already shown their support.
If passed, the motion will move to the Senate for further action within two days.
