Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, Gachagua’s sworn political nemesis, hinted at this at the weekend.
Without stating directly who the target was, the Cabinet Secretary wrote: “Impeachment loading”, coming at a time his run-ins with the DP have intensified.
Kuria’s sentiments could give credence to a recent revelation by an MP that impeachment was in the works.
The lawmaker showed the Star an excerpt of a heated WhatsApp conversation in a caucus of Kenya Kwanza members.
In the raging debate, most MPs were said to have given their word on supporting the DP's removal should it be carried.
Kenya Kwanza honchos accuse the DP of concentrating his activities and state resources bestowed upon his office in Mt Kenya.
Coupled with other differences that are said to run deep, President Ruto’s allies, it is understood, are considering all possible mechanisms of checkmating the DP, including removing him from office.
Possible charges against Gachagua are yet to be disclosed but multiple sources intimated they could touch on the DP’s political activities.
The feeling in the group is that the DP is a divisive force in their midst at a time the President is keen on ending tribal politics in the country.
Concerns are also rife that the country’s second-in-command is reckless in his demands and dictates public officers to have his way.
President Ruto’s key allies in Parliament also hold that it wouldn’t cost them much to marshall a vote to remove the DP.
“Who will support him when he has insulted and threatened nearly everyone?” a Ruto defender, who asked to remain anonymous until the plan crystallises, said.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, during a church service Sunday, made sentiments to the effect the DP was using the office for personal gain.
“We must strive to uplift and support our community with genuine care and integrity, rather than manipulating and deceiving them for personal gain,” Ichung’wah said.
“Our actions as leaders should be guided by humility and selflessness, putting the needs and interests of others above our own ambitions and desires,” he added.
Political pundits observe that Gachagua could be left exposed should an impeachment motion be moved against him, as many MPs still heed Ruto’s call.
Several other Cabinet Secretaries among them Interior’s Kithure Kindiki and Aden Duale of Defence have also dismissed the DP’s antics.
Gachagua is said to have not much support among MPs “unlike Ruto who had support from all and sundry” in his tribulations with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government.
This emerged in a recent debate at the National Assembly where Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge accused the DP of using intimidation and blackmail to get backing.
“I speak on behalf of the six elected MPs from Nyeri county. We have really suffered intimidation and blackmail,” Mathenge said. Nyeri is the DP’s backyard.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri recently stated he had evidence of the threats and blackmail, saying more than 30 MPs have been sent ‘warnings’ by the DP.
A number of MPs from Kiambu, Murang'a and Kirinyaga are also said to be solidly behind Nyoro, and by extension Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru.
Many Kenya Kwanza members have shied from taking a public stance on the row, but it's argued would easily choose the President’s side.
MPs coalescing around the DP include James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Benjamin Mejjadonk (Embakasi Central), Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga Woman MP), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira MP), Gichuki Githinji (Gichugu), Sabina Chege (nominated), Charity Kathambi (Njoro), Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta), and select Rift Valley MPs.
On Sunday, the Deputy President steered clear of politics when he attended the consecration of Anthony Mwaura as the new ACK bishop for the Nakuru diocese.
ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, a fierce Ruto critic, graced the ceremony.
“I have no story for you today press people. Go write about the colourful event we have had here,” Gachagua said, urging the media to listen to voices uniting the country, like the church.
But earlier - on Saturday - the DP told off his detractors, and pointed fingers at people he said were uncomfortable with Ruto choosing him as running mate in the 2022 presidential election.
"One of them who never wanted me to be Ruto's deputy even vowed that I would not be picked. He even said, 'Over my dead body',” Gachagua said in Kirinyaga.
He made stops in Nyeri town, where he accused the MPs and Cabinet Secretaries fighting him of frustrating his activities and acting as if they were his supervisors.
Even as the impeachment drumbeats get louder, some political observers hold that the route wouldn’t be an easy one.
Dr Charles Nyambuga, a political commentator from Maseno University, observed that removing the DP isn't a walk in the park.
“Thanks to corruption, we have MPs who cannot impeach anyone in the presidency. We know the President will have the majority but it is still tricky considering that the level of dissatisfaction is very high,” Dr Nyambuga said.
He argued that the DP has only seen a gap and is taking advantage of it. “They have frustrated his duties as Deputy President. Remember what he was before, and what he is now,” Dr Nyambuga said.
There are quarters that also hold that the government has unlimited options to pursue even if the impeachment fails.
Recently, MPs slashed the DP’s operations budget by Sh500 million and redirected the amounts to specific programmes – coffee and tea reforms and anti-drug campaigns.
The Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro-led National Assembly Budget Committee redirected the money from the operations, maintenance and other operating expenses to the defined vote heads.
While the Treasury had indicated that all the top three offices would be affected by cuts, only Gachagua’s was implemented.
At the time of the allocation, Treasury had reduced the DP’s spouse’s budget by Sh160 million, leaving the office with Sh557 million.
Gachagua has also been barred from using military choppers in his activities, and has on many occasions lamented troubles with his transport.
For the pro-Ruto team, the one-man-one-vote-one shilling campaign is merely a tool to “blackmail” the UDA leadership.
