Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Faces Impeachment Trial
Kenya’s parliament has taken the final step to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, with an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly voting to approve his impeachment. This sets the stage for a two-day trial in the Senate to determine whether or not he will be ousted.
Gachagua faces 11 charges, including corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and undermining the government, all of which he denies. The impeachment proceedings come after a recent fallout with President William Ruto, who has remained silent on the matter.
The trial is being conducted before the full house of the Senate, with proceedings already underway. Analysts expect the impeachment to be upheld, as ruling party senators are likely to be backed by those from the main opposition, similar to the lower house vote.
Evidence against Gachagua, including any witnesses, will be introduced and examined on Wednesday, followed by cross-examination. The trial will continue on Thursday, with senators debating the motion and taking a vote scheduled for Thursday night.
If at least two-thirds of the 67 Senate members approve the motion, Gachagua will be removed from office and barred from holding public office in the future. He is expected to challenge the impeachment in court if it passes, as he has made numerous unsuccessful attempts to stop the process.
Some of the grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment include accusations of acquiring assets worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings ($40 million) through corrupt means since becoming deputy president. Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the central Mount Kenya region, has explained that most of the properties in question were from his late brother’s estate.
The impeachment trial has sparked high political drama in Kenya, with many viewing it as a distraction from the economic concerns of the population. In June, deadly protests erupted over unpopular tax hikes, exposing a deep rift between Ruto and Gachagua.
As the trial unfolds, all eyes are on the Senate to see the outcome of this high-stakes political battle that could have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s leadership and future.
