Gachagua invested more in creating enemies than friends, CS Duale says on his impeachment

Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has attributed the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the former Mathira MP’s tendency to create political enemies rather than allies.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s JKlive show on Wednesday, Duale—an experienced politician—recounted several instances in his career where he witnessed impeachment attempts against various ministers and MPs, including the 2009 plot to remove President William Ruto, who at the time was serving as Minister of Agriculture.

“The current President had an impeachment motion tabled against him when he was the Minister of Agriculture, but his impeachment turned into a vote of confidence. He spoke for two hours, and 115 members (MPs) supported him,” Duale told the show’s host, Jeff Koinange.

“I was one of them (115 MPs), but 26 voted to impeach him—18 of whom were ministers. People like Martha Karua wanted Ruto out. Why did he survive? Because this man invested in friends from his early days in politics."

According to Duale, Gachagua’s tendency to alienate potential allies in the political arena ultimately led to his impeachment, making him the first sitting Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be removed from office.

Duale emphasized this point by referencing Gachagua’s public disputes with key political figures, including digital strategist Dennis Itumbi and the President’s personal assistant, Farouk Kibet.

"If you ask me, it is good to invest in friends, and I think the former DP (Gachagua) invested more in fighting people from his own backyard, including small people like Dennis Itumbi and Farouk Kibet. When you are big, don't come to ground zero… you stay up," Duale remarked.

Duale further highlighted the significance of cultivating political friendships, stressing how Gachagua’s approach worked against him during the impeachment vote.

“He (Gachagua) invested more in creating enemies than friends. It has never happened in the history of Kenya for 282 members to vote in favour of a motion. That’s why I do not play around with MPs. When I am called to the House, I go there and answer questions unless there is a Cabinet meeting. To survive, be like William Ruto," Duale concluded.