Kenya: Junet - 'If You Got Something From Gachagua's Impeachment, At Least Build a Good Home'

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Capital FM report from Nairobi, says Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has renewed controversy around the 2024 removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by alleging that some legislators were paid during the impeachment process. Junet, the National Assembly Minority Leader, made the remarks at a public function in Bungoma County on Sunday, saying lawmakers who benefited should at least have used the proceeds to improve their homes.

According to the report, Junet also suggested that some alleged funds did not reach leaders in Bungoma and referred to Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot as the “accounting officer” during the impeachment. He did not explain the alleged payment arrangements or provide supporting evidence. Capital FM reported that, by publication time, Cheruiyot and the Parliamentary Service Commission had not responded to the allegations.

The comments revive claims that circulated in political and social media spaces after Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024. The report notes that no official inquiry has verified bribery allegations, and no public evidence has tied legislators to such payments. Gachagua became Kenya’s first deputy president removed through the constitutional impeachment mechanism after the National Assembly and Senate upheld charges including alleged constitutional violations, abuse of office, undermining the president and Cabinet, ethnic division, misconduct, and unexplained wealth. He denied the accusations and said the process was politically driven.

The issue remains politically significant because a recent High Court ruling upheld the impeachment and the appointment of Kithure Kindiki, while awarding Gachagua Sh50 million after finding that the Senate breached his fair-hearing rights. Gachagua has continued to challenge parts of the process in court and criticize President William Ruto’s administration.