Kenya’s dep president, Gachagua, impeached in historical move

Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has been impeached by the Senate in a historic vote, making him the first deputy president to be removed from office since Kenya’s 2010 constitution introduced impeachment procedures.

The 59-year-old faced 11 charges, including corruption, insubordination and money laundering, which he vigorously denied as politically motivated.

Gachagua’s downfall began when allies of President William Ruto accused him of disloyalty. The Senate found him guilty of five charges, including practicing ethnically divisive politics and threatening judges, but cleared him of six, including corruption.

The impeachment process was marked by drama. Gachagua was hospitalized with severe chest pains, prompting his lawyer, Paul Muite, to urge the Senate to pause proceedings.

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“The sad reality is that the deputy president of the republic of Kenya has been taken sick, very sick,” Muite said. Despite this, senators voted to proceed with the impeachment hearing, leading Gachagua’s legal team to withdraw in protest.

Speaker Amason Kingi’s motion to adjourn the hearing until Saturday was rejected, with Kingi stating, “The nays have it.” President Ruto, who has fallen out with Gachagua, remains silent on the matter.

Gachagua’s removal highlights the rift between him and Ruto. Once close allies, their relationship deteriorated after Gachagua complained of being sidelined. Critics accuse him of supporting anti-government protests, further straining ties.

The impeachment’s implications are significant. Gachagua’s influence among Kenya’s largest tribe, the Kikuyu, helped Ruto win the national election. His removal may alter Kenya’s political landscape.

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