President Ruto stays mum as Gachagua impeachment push intensifies

President William Ruto has remained notably silent as the impeachment motion against his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, intensifies.

After a 10-day tour to the United States, where President Ruto participated in the UN General Assembly and even inspected Kenyan police efforts in Haiti, the president returned quietly—no fanfare, no social media posts.

Ruto's low-profile return coincided with a political storm brewing over his deputy.

His silence has been deafening. As Gachagua’s political goose roasts over impeachment proceedings, Ruto’s refusal to comment is sparking speculation across the nation.

Even as Parliament prepares to debate the motion, his focus has now shifted to other government programs, like the Climate Worx Mtaani initiative, without addressing the political heat surrounding his deputy.

Gachagua’s impeachment, formally tabled in Parliament, signals a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape. Observers expected the president to take a stand—either by defending his deputy or distancing himself—but the president’s continued silence has left both camps in suspense.

"Wakati tukipanga team nikaita wabunge... Nikaona wananielekeza kwa vijana. Nikawaambia hapana, wacha nipangane na Riggy G…. Kwa sababu ni mtu ya rika yangu," said President Ruto on June 9, 2024.

Political pundits say Ruto’s silence may be tactical, as publicly opposing his deputy could risk alienating his base, while staying quiet allows room for political manoeuvring behind the scenes.

The president could be buying time, allowing Parliament to deal with the matter while avoiding any fallout that might harm his administration.

"Waswahili wanasema tuheshimiane. Tuifanye kazi kwa pamoja," said President Ruto at another event.