Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has presented an agreement signed by Kenya Kwanza co-principals as part of his defense against allegations of tribalism leveled against him in the National Assembly. In a fiery press conference on Monday evening, Gachagua claimed that his comments regarding "shareholders" have been misinterpreted, even though President William Ruto had agreed to a power-sharing deal before his election in 2022.
Gachagua disclosed details of the Kenya Kwanza coalition agreement, highlighting that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi secured their positions in exchange for delivering 70% of votes from the Western region for Ruto.
He read from the agreement: “ANC will be allocated the position of Prime Cabinet Secretary to be established within 14 days… FORD Kenya will be allocated the position of Speaker of the National Assembly. According to Article 21 of the power-sharing agreement, ANC and FORD Kenya are entitled to 30% of national government positions.”
The embattled Deputy President argued that regions and political leaders negotiated for their share of power with President Ruto, as part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition's internal arrangements. "I have never talked about sharing resources. I have been referring to power-sharing, ensuring that everyone gets what they deserve based on this agreement," Gachagua clarified.
Did you read this?
The "shareholders" remarks made by Gachagua on multiple occasions are among the reasons Members of Parliament are seeking his removal from office. In the 100-page impeachment motion filed by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse on October 1, 2024, Gachagua is accused of dividing the country along tribal lines, undermining the presidency, violating his oath of office, and breaching the National Cohesion and Integration Act.
Gachagua is set to defend himself before the National Assembly on Tuesday, having assembled a legal team led by veteran lawyer Paul Mwite to argue his case before the MPs.
