Court Filings Detail Kenya Kwanza Power-Sharing Deal at Heart of Ruto–Gachagua Fallout
Politics Updated: 13 February 2026 16:49 EAT
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua and President William Samoei Ruto
Fresh court documents have shed light on an internal power-sharing arrangement within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, revealing how disagreements over the distribution of government positions intensified the political rift between Rigathi Gachagua and William Ruto.
The filings, lodged at the High Court as part of Gachagua’s challenge against his impeachment, outline what is described as a structured “political shareholding” formula negotiated ahead of the 2022 Kenyan general election. The agreement allegedly guided how state appointments were to be allocated among coalition partners and supporting regions.
According to affidavits submitted by Gachagua’s legal team, the coalition agreement contained detailed provisions on the distribution of Cabinet slots, principal secretary positions, ambassadorial postings and leadership roles in state corporations. The documents argue that the framework was intended to reflect electoral support patterns and coalition contributions.
The filings claim tensions emerged when the implementation of the arrangement diverged from what had allegedly been agreed. Gachagua’s camp contends that certain regions and political affiliates did not receive the proportion of appointments they expected under the deal.
The documents further state that the President’s United Democratic Alliance wing retained significant influence over key appointments, despite the broader coalition structure that included parties such as Amani National Congress and Ford-Kenya. The alleged imbalance is cited as a catalyst for internal friction.
Gachagua’s impeachment by the National Assembly was later upheld by the Senate, marking a historic political moment. Lawmakers cited accusations including ethnic mobilisation and abuse of office in relation to state appointments.
In his court challenge, Gachagua maintains that his actions were consistent with the coalition’s foundational agreement and that he was unfairly singled out for enforcing a framework that had collective endorsement during the campaign period.
The filings also reference public remarks made in the early months of the administration in which the concept of “shareholders in government” was discussed in political rallies. Gachagua’s lawyers argue that such language reflected official coalition policy rather than a personal initiative.
Legal analysts observing the case note that the dispute raises broader constitutional questions about the balance between political coalition agreements and presidential prerogative in public appointments. Under Kenya’s constitutional framework, the President retains formal authority to nominate and appoint state officers.
The court documents suggest that mistrust between the two leaders deepened as competing interpretations of the coalition agreement surfaced. The fallout reportedly extended beyond appointments to influence parliamentary alliances and regional political alignments.
Following his removal from office, Gachagua intensified public criticism of the administration, prompting warnings from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission over remarks perceived as potentially divisive. The developments underscored the fragile state of unity within the ruling alliance.
Observers indicate that the High Court proceedings could set an important precedent on how coalition agreements are treated in constitutional litigation, particularly where they intersect with impeachment processes and executive authority.
As the legal battle continues, the revelations contained in the filings have cast renewed scrutiny on the internal mechanics of Kenya Kwanza’s formation and governance structure, exposing how political power-sharing arrangements can evolve into high-stakes constitutional confrontations at the heart of government.
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