Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau is among three key individuals set to present evidence against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Senate when debate on the impeachment motion begins today. The others are Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and former KEMSA acting CEO Dr Andrew Mulwa, both of whom have levelled serious accusations against the embattled DP.
One of the key issues expected to come under scrutiny is the Will of Gachagua’s late brother, Nderitu Gachagua, which sparked controversy during the impeachment proceedings at the National Assembly. Nderitu, who was worth over Ksh 2 billion at the time of his death, directed in his Will that all his properties, except for matrimonial homes, be sold, with proceeds distributed among 24 beneficiaries, including his wives, children, siblings, and the executors of his Will. Nderitu passed away on February 24, 2017, in a London hospital. His will also includes a clause stating that any beneficiary who challenged the distribution would be disqualified from inheriting any part of his estate.
Wanjau, in her affidavit, has accused Gachagua of publicly opposing the evacuation of Nairobi residents living within 30 meters of the Nairobi River. She claims the DP went against a Cabinet decision, which is a breach of his oath of office, as he should not publicly oppose or disclose Cabinet decisions. The controversy stems from a Cabinet-approved policy on Nairobi Rivers Regeneration and Flood Mitigation, which was adopted on April 12, 2024. This policy required the identification of a 30-meter riparian zone and a 60-meter planning corridor on both sides of Nairobi’s rivers, as well as the relocation of structures within flood-prone areas. Wanjau’s affidavit details that the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, and Urban Development, alongside Nairobi County and the Water Resources Authority, were tasked with implementing the policy, including shifting residents from danger zones and providing cash transfers for alternative accommodation.
Governor Sakaja, who has previously clashed with Gachagua, has also pointed to the DP’s role in the forced relocation of Wakulima Market traders as evidence of undermining devolution. Sakaja claims Gachagua’s interference in the relocation process undermined the authority of the county government, which is a core principle of devolution under the Constitution.
In a separate matter, Mulwa has accused Gachagua of attempting to influence the award of a Ksh 3.7 billion tender for mosquito nets. According to Mulwa’s affidavit, the DP and his son, Keith Rigathi, exerted pressure on KEMSA to ensure that the tender went to Shobikaa Impex Private Limited, a company linked to the family. Mulwa, who was appointed KEMSA CEO in 2023 amid a corruption scandal, claims he was coerced into complying with the DP’s instructions and was even asked to hand over the original bid bond for the tender.
The upcoming Senate debate is expected to delve deep into these allegations, with both sides preparing to defend their positions.
