Kenya's Senate has officially removed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office through impeachment, marking a significant and controversial turn in the nation's politics.
According to Reuters, the Senate voted him out on multiple accusations, including a profound violation of the constitution.
Gachagua faced eleven charges, with the Kenyan Senate finding him guilty on five. Leading up to his removal, the National Assembly had also voted in favor of his impeachment, citing disloyalty and numerous provocative public statements as part of their sweeping accusations. Fifty-four out of 67 senators found him guilty of gross violation of the constitution, as announced by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
Despite severe chest pains leading to hospitalization, Gachagua's impeachment proceeded, stirring suspicions and outcry from his supporters and some members of the political landscape. His legal team, led by Paul Muite, officially requested a pause in the Senate proceedings due to his health crisis, which the Senate declined.
The impeachment extends beyond the Senate chamber, signaling potential unrest in Kenyan politics and public sentiment. Critics, including Senator John Methu, have labeled the Senate's actions as politically motivated, pointing out that the impeachment vote took place while Gachagua was hospitalized. They argue that this may indicate a deeper political maneuvering rather than just a simple legislative process.
Senator Moses Otieno Kajwang hinted at a larger motive behind the impeachment by stating their intention to "drain the swamp," suggesting that further political cleanups could be on the horizon.
Similarly, political analyst Karuti Kanyinga hinted at the public's potential push to extend the impeachment process to include other high-ranking officials, possibly even President Ruto.
Accusations against the former deputy president are grave, including inciting ethnic hatred and illicitly acquiring properties worth upwards of $40 million since assuming office. These allegations have been backed by lawmaker Mwengi Mutuse, who played a significant role in spotlighting these claims.
Elisha Ongoya, a member of Gachagua's legal team, criticized the basis of the impeachment, noting the speculative nature of the evidence presented against him:
The completion of the impeachment process has not marked the end of Gachagua's fight to clear his name. He has filed petitions against his impeachment, which are currently under scrutiny by a panel of three judges.
This impending legal battle may further complicate the political atmosphere in Kenya, especially amidst recent deadly protests against government policies, which some believe the impeachment aimed to overshadow.
In conclusion, the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has opened a new chapter in Kenya's political narrative, fraught with division and speculation.
While his removal has been legally sanctioned, the motivations behind it, the methods employed, and the timing have all come under scrutiny, drawing a mix of condemnation and support across the nation's political and public spheres.
This event is not likely to quell the unrest but may, instead, signal the beginning of more significant political shifts in Kenya.
