Kenya’s Senate is poised to begin deliberations over the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following a court ruling that deemed the proceedings constitutional. This significant political event has arisen after the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, voted last week to impeach Gachagua on multiple charges, including allegations of corruption, undermining governmental authority, and inciting ethnic division.
Deputy President Gachagua, aged 59, has vehemently denied the various charges, asserting that the impeachment motion is founded on unfounded claims. He describes the actions taken against him as a politically motivated effort to undermine his position, referring to it as a “political lynching” in court documents reviewed by USA Zine.
On Wednesday, during a court hearing, Judge Eric Ogola confirmed that the impeachment process could proceed, enabling the Senate to hold hearings and vote on Gachagua’s potential dismissal. Judge Ogola remarked that this is a lawful constitutional process that allows the Senate to conduct a thorough trial, where all pertinent allegations will be adjudicated. A decision regarding the impeachment is anticipated shortly, with a two-thirds majority required for Gachagua’s removal.
If Gachagua is ultimately dismissed, it would mark a historic moment as he would be the first deputy president in Kenya to be impeached since the introduction of the revised constitution in 2010. Gachagua, who has strong ties to Kenya’s largest ethnic group, the Kikuyu, previously weathered multiple corruption allegations and rose to the position of deputy president as a crucial ally to President William Ruto during the tightly contested 2022 presidential election.
However, tensions have escalated between Gachagua and President Ruto, particularly after the deputy president expressed feelings of exclusion from governmental activities. This political rift is further exacerbated by allegations that Gachagua supported youth-led protests against the government that emerged in June, highlighting significant divisions within the country’s political framework.
In response to the unrest spurred by tax hikes—leading to the tragic loss of over 50 lives—Ruto has reshuffled his cabinet, incorporating members of the opposition in what he describes as a unity government. While President Ruto has remained silent on Gachagua’s impeachment, the deputy president acknowledged that proceeding with the motion would necessitate the president’s endorsement.
As Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve amidst these challenges, the upcoming Senate debates will be crucial in defining the future of governance in the country.
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