In an unprecedented political development, Kenya's senate voted on Thursday to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office through impeachment.
According to Reuters, the senate upheld five out of eleven charges against him, making him the first Kenyan deputy president to be impeached.
The decision came after 54 out of 67 senators voted to dismiss Gachagua on the first count of "gross violation of the constitution," exceeding the required two-thirds majority. The impeachment follows last week's initial vote by the National Assembly, marking a significant shift in Kenya's political landscape.
Gachagua has filed multiple petitions contesting his removal, with the chief justice appointing three judges to examine his cases. The deputy president's absence from the Senate proceedings added another layer of complexity to the situation.
When Gachagua failed to appear for his defense, his lawyer, Paul Muite, informed the Senate that he had been hospitalized with chest pains. Dr. Dan Gikonyo confirmed Gachagua's admission to a Nairobi hospital with heart issues, indicating a 24-72 hour observation period.
Senator John Methu expressed concern about the proceedings, stating:
We are to try a man in hospital because the only crime that Rigathi Gachagua has committed is a political crime, so he has to be removed out of the way, whatever it will take.
The impeachment charges included accusations of inciting ethnic hatred and significant wealth accumulation. Lawmaker Mwengi Mutuse alleged that Gachagua acquired properties worth over $40 million since taking office despite declaring a pre-office net worth of approximately $6 million.
Gachagua's legal team, through member Elisha Ongoya, maintained that the allegations lacked evidence and were based on speculation. The deputy president himself has previously dismissed the impeachment process as a political lynching founded on falsehoods.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi formally announced the conclusion, stating simply that Gachagua "ceases to hold office."
The impeachment process reveals growing tensions between Gachagua and President William Ruto, who together won the election two years ago. Ruto has remained notably silent on the proceedings against his deputy.
The situation has drawn criticism from many Kenyans who view the impeachment as politically motivated. Some see it as a distraction from recent anti-tax protests that highlighted public dissatisfaction with government policies.
According to Professor Karuti Kanyinga from the University of Nairobi's Institute for Development Studies, the detailed examination of Gachagua's finances during the hearings could potentially lead to increased scrutiny of President Ruto himself.
Kenya's political landscape has been dramatically altered by the successful impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on multiple charges. The process faced complications due to his hospitalization, and he continues to face legal challenges through his filed petitions. The political ramifications extend beyond Gachagua to President Ruto and the broader government structure.
