Aaron Cheruiyot Tell Gachagua Impeached Leaders Cannot Hold Office, Sparks Political Clash

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has taken a sharp swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, telling him that an impeached individual cannot hold any elective position in Kenya, following Gachagua’s recent remarks on scrapping the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Affordable Housing programme.

Cheruiyot dismissed Gachagua’s political pronouncements as inconsequential, insisting that impeachment permanently disqualifies a person from holding public office.

Using blunt language, the Kericho Senator said, “Mtu ambaye amekuwa impeached hakuna kiti unawezapata Kenya hii ata Chairman wa Cattle Dip,” a remark that quickly ignited political debate.

Cheruiyot argued that Kenya’s Constitution is clear on the consequences of impeachment, adding that leaders who are removed from office through constitutional processes lose the moral and legal authority to lecture the government on policy matters.

His comments came in response to Gachagua’s recent statements criticising key government programmes, including SHA and the Affordable Housing initiative, which the former DP has vowed to dismantle should he return to power.

Gachagua has accused the government of burdening Kenyans with punitive deductions and failing to prioritise the real needs of ordinary citizens.

However, Cheruiyot defended the two programmes, describing them as transformative policies aimed at expanding access to healthcare and affordable housing.

He said leaders should focus on constructive engagement rather than populist rhetoric designed to excite public anger.

“Affordable housing and universal healthcare are not political projects; they are people-centred interventions meant to uplift millions of Kenyans,” Cheruiyot said, adding that the Kenya Kwanza administration would not be distracted by what he termed political noise.

The exchange highlights the growing tension between Gachagua and leaders aligned to President William Ruto, as political temperatures slowly rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Analysts say the sharp language reflects deeper realignments and unresolved rivalries within the ruling coalition and the broader political arena.

While Gachagua’s allies have dismissed Cheruiyot’s remarks as arrogant and dismissive, supporters of the government argue that constitutional order must be respected.

The debate is expected to continue as leaders clash over legality, leadership and the future of key national programmes.