International News

Kenya’s Senate to Vote on Deputy President Gachagua’s Impeachment in Unprecedented Political Drama

Written by Jerry Alomatu on October 17, 2024

News Views: 205

Kenya’s Senate is set to vote on Thursday to determine the fate of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, marking a dramatic turn in an unprecedented political saga. This follows the National Assembly’s historic decision last week to impeach Gachagua on 11 charges, including corruption, insubordination, and ethnic divisiveness.

The impeachment trial, which began on Wednesday, saw the embattled Deputy President arrive at Parliament shortly before the session opened. He is expected to testify in his defense later. Despite his denials and lack of criminal proceedings, Gachagua will be removed from office if the Senate upholds the impeachment.

Gachagua’s impeachment would mark the first of its kind since the introduction of the revised constitution in 2010. If the Senate backs just one of the charges by a two-thirds majority, the impeachment will proceed, even though Gachagua has vowed to challenge the decision in court.

Speculation has mounted about potential successors, with names like Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi being suggested. Gachagua’s future appears bleak after 282 out of 349 MPs voted for his impeachment, surpassing the required two-thirds majority.

The 59-year-old politician, known as “Riggy G,” has criticized the process, calling it a case of “political deceit, conmanship, and betrayal.” He has also alleged that he was sidelined by President William Ruto and falsely accused of supporting youth-led anti-government protests over tax hikes.

Addressing his supporters in central Kenya, Gachagua urged calm, stating, “Let’s preach and maintain peace irrespective of the outcome. Kenya is our country.” Despite his claims of unfairness and attempts to halt the process, the High Court allowed the Senate hearings to continue.

President Ruto has remained silent on the matter, but Gachagua suggests the impeachment could not proceed without Ruto’s approval. As political tensions escalate, Kenya awaits the Senate’s decision, which could set a historic precedent.