Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to attend a church service today at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese in Embu.
The service will double as a celebration marking 34 years since the establishment of the diocese.
The event will be held at St. Mark Teachers’ Training College, where a section of leaders allied to Gachagua are expected to accompany him.
Although there is speculation about the attendance of Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, his participation remains unclear.
Mundigi has recently expressed support for Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, signaling shifting political dynamics in the region.
On September 14, Mundigi downplayed any tension between Mount Kenya East and Gachagua, stating, “There is no bad blood between Mt Kenya East and Gachagua. What we have only done is to pick our own (Kindiki) to champion our development needs.”
Gachagua’s visit comes at a time when he is grappling with an impending impeachment trial.
The Deputy President is scheduled to appear before the Senate later this week after the National Assembly voted to impeach him, with a record 282 MPs backing the motion.
He is facing 11 charges, including gross violation of the Constitution, promoting ethnic discrimination, and undermining national unity through divisive public statements.
Additionally, Gachagua is accused of contradicting government policies and failing to uphold his responsibilities as Deputy President, violating the principle of collective Cabinet responsibility.
Despite the looming trial, Gachagua continues to enjoy substantial support from certain factions of the political class, especially those from his central Kenya political base.
However, the impeachment motion has exacerbated divisions within the ruling party, with some leaders in Mount Kenya East rallying behind Kindiki, further complicating the Deputy President’s political future.
The church service in Embu will offer Gachagua an opportunity to engage with local leadership and the faithful amid these challenging political times.
It remains to be seen how his trial in the Senate will unfold and whether he can weather the political storm surrounding his impeachment.
