Kenyan Senators Vote to Remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Despite Absence at Impeachment Trial
In a stunning turn of events, Kenyan senators have voted to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, even though he failed to testify at his impeachment trial. Gachagua’s lawyer informed the Senate that his client had been taken to the hospital due to chest pains, leading to his absence at the trial.
The decision to proceed with the trial in Gachagua’s absence showcases the determination of the senators to oust him, following a falling out with President William Ruto several months ago. Last week, the majority of MPs in the National Assembly voted to impeach him, leading to a two-day trial in the Senate.
Gachagua, a prominent businessman from the central Mount Kenya region, has labeled the impeachment as a “political lynching.” The Senate voted by a significant margin to convict him on charges including corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and undermining the government, ultimately leading to his removal from office.
The impeachment marks the end of months of infighting at the top levels of government and solidifies Ruto’s grip on power. The rift between Ruto and Gachagua escalated in June when Gachagua criticized the head of the intelligence agency for failing to properly brief the government on mass protests against tax hikes.
Despite the impeachment, Gachagua had vowed to challenge the decision if it passed. Reports indicate that he is stable and undergoing tests at the hospital for heart trouble. Speculation about his possible replacements has already begun, with names like Irungu Kang’ata, Anne Waiguru, Kithure Kindiki, and Musalia Mudavadi being mentioned.
The impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua marks a significant moment in Kenyan politics, with implications for the country’s leadership and future direction. Additional reporting by the BBC’s Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi adds depth to the unfolding political drama.
