By Felicia Udeji
In a landmark decision, the Kenyan Senate has voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, marking the first time a deputy president has been removed from office since the country’s 2010 constitutional reforms. The Senate found Gachagua guilty on five out of 11 charges, including corruption, money laundering, insubordination, ethnic divisiveness, and undermining the government [1).
Gachagua’s impeachment follows a similar vote by the National Assembly, where the motion to remove him from office was overwhelmingly passed. The 59-year-old deputy president was hospitalized with severe chest pains and unable to testify in his defense. Despite his absence, the Senate proceeded with the vote.
The Senate session was tumultuous, with Gachagua’s lawyer requesting a delay due to his client’s medical condition. However, the motion to delay was rejected, prompting Gachagua’s legal team to walk out in protest.
President William Ruto, who has had a strained relationship with Gachagua, has not commented on the impeachment. Many Kenyans view the process as politically motivated, accusing the government of using the impeachment to distract from recent anti-tax protests.
Political analysts warn that the move could have broader implications, potentially sparking further political fallout for President Ruto. Gachagua has labeled the impeachment a “political lynching” based on false accusations.
Gachagua’s removal is likely to fuel ongoing political tensions in Kenya as the country grapples with economic challenges and widespread discontent.
