Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies are staring at more trouble as the political realities of the DP’s impeachment sink in.
Senators on Thursday night voted to uphold five out of 11 charges effectively confirming his removal from office.
Even before the dust settles, it appears the former second-in-command is in for more rude shocks.
Already, MPs are demanding Gachagua be investigated by both Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and Directorate of Criminal Investigations on the charges which include accumulation of over Sh5.2 billion wealth.
Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale in his submission on Thursday demanded thorough investigations on the allegations.
“Even as we ask the DP to leave office, we must insist that the DCI and EACC and other investigative agencies must pursue this matter beyond this vote,” Khalwale said.
“I have on mind, the activities of the intricate web of companies up to 22, the reason I believe young Mutuse (Kibwezi West Mwengi Mutuse) could not bring all these, is because effort requires money, it requires time to do all that research.”
The ex-DP is also faced with not only being rendered partyless but also being removed as the ruling UDA deputy party leader – a position the outfit’s constitution reserves to the holder of the Deputy President’s office.
LOOMING EXPULSION
UDA acting secretary general Hassan Omar last month hinted at plans to expel Gachagua from the party.
“In fact, if that motion of impeachment sails through, our immediate concern then will be to eject him also as a member of the party,” he said.
“You cannot be found to be incompetent, grossly undermining the constitution and national unity and continue to be a ranking member of the party.”
If he fails to overturn his impeachment through the legal process, Gachagua will be barred permanently from holding elective or public office in his lifetime.
All these add to the long list of Gachagua’s troubles, which include walking out empty handed having lost all his hefty exit perks.
Just like his predecessors (retired vice/deputy presidents), Gachagua, is by law, entitled to a hefty package, which includes a monthly pension equivalent to 80 per cent of his last monthly salary upon leaving office.
A retired DP is also entitled to a lump sum payment on retirement, calculated as a sum equal to one year’s salary paid for each term served in office.
Other benefits include two saloon vehicles with an engine capacity not exceeding 2000cc, which shall be replaceable once every four years, and a fuel allowance equal to 15 per cent of the current monthly salary of the office holder.
Additionally, the DP is given one four-wheel drive vehicle with an engine capacity not exceeding 3000 cc, which shall be replaceable once every four years. He is further eligible to full medical and hospital cover, providing for local and overseas treatment, with a reputable insurance company for the entitled person.
This also covers the spouse.
RETIREMENT PERKS
The Retirement Benefits Act, 2015 stipulates that where a designated officer has acted in willful violation of the constitution, this lifetime perks and pay is removed.
Gachagua’s allies are not spared either. The Star has established of a plan to remove his foot soldiers who voted to save him in the two houses.
Those said to be targeted are lawmakers who are holding lucrative positions in the House and who defied the ruling coalition and supported the besieged DP during the impeachment vote.
A senior Kenya Kwanza MP familiar with the happenings in the ruling party confided to the Star that plans are afoot to strike immediately the House is done with the ouster bid.
Once the dust settles, sources told the Star that a Parliamentary Group meeting would be convened to agree on the replacements.
Those who will be shown the doors are mostly MPs who serve as chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of various committees.
Parliamentary committees are crucial to the operations of the bicameral House and have sweeping powers in approving government policy and budget preparation.
Sources told the Star that President William Ruto’s majority side has orchestrated a ruthless purge targeting Gachagua’s allies whom they accused of undermining his leadership.
“If amongst the charges the DP is facing is undermining the President and you support him, what are you telling us? That are you are also undermining the President?” a pro-government MP told the Star in confidence.
CRACKING THE WHIP
“I am aware of very advanced talks to crack the whip immediately the whole issue of impeachment is dispensed with.”
Some of the DP’s allies in the National Assembly who hold positions in committees include Embakasi North MP James Gakuya who chairs the powerful Trade Committee.
The two are among the 44 lawmakers who voted to save Gachagua at the National Assembly.
Vocal Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba chairs the National Assembly Constitution and Implementation oversight committee.
In the Senate, Senator Karungo Thangwa and his Murang’a counterpart Joe Nyutu are marked men.
Senator Nyutu chairs Committee on Education at the Senate while Thang’wa is the chairman of the committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing.
The move could worsen the frosty relationship in Kenya Kwanza and may trigger an implosion within Mt Kenya given that the majority of those targeted hail from the restive region.