Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has refuted claims that his children, Kelvin and Keith, purchased the iconic Treetops Hotel in Aberdare National Park.
In an interview with Rift Valley media stations on Monday, September 30, the DP stated that his sons, Kelvin and Keith, are running the hotel after leasing it from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Gachagua further stated that his sons took out loans to lease and subsequently renovate the hotel which currently employs 58 people.
“I’m not involved in corruption. I have always been in business even before I became a government official. My sons have never worked with the government as I have always told them to invest in the private sector.
“They have leased this hotel from KWS, not purchased it. People are spreading rumors without knowledge; this hotel belongs to KWS and has been leased,” the DP told reporters.
He further suggested that these accusations were part of a broader effort to discredit him before his impending impeachment hearing.
“These people are desperate to tarnish my name and remove me from office, but they will be shocked when the time comes,” he added.
Gachagua is set to face impeachment on Tuesday, with accusations ranging from abuse of office to incitement of ethnic hatred. Critics claim his statements have violated Article 10 of Kenya’s Constitution, which outlines the principles of good governance and national unity.
Additionally, he faces charges related to Articles 147, 148, 174, 186, and 189, which detail the duties and conduct expected of the Deputy President.
On Monday, efforts to stop the impeachment process hit a roadblock when constitutional courts rejected four separate attempts. Former Senator Cleophas Malala’s petition to halt the motion was also dismissed, with Justice Bahati Mwamuye directing the National Assembly to respond by Thursday, October 3, 2024.
The impeachment motion, led by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, requires 233 votes. As of Sunday, reports suggest that 302 MPs had already shown their support.
If passed, the motion will move to the Senate for further action within two days.
