Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached in a historic vote by the Senate, following a majority decision from the National Assembly. Found guilty on five of eleven charges, including abuse of office, Gachagua’s removal from office has sparked political tensions. He cited political betrayal and claimed to be a victim of a flawed process. President William Ruto now faces the task of nominating a successor within two weeks, amidst heightened political scrutiny.
In a significant political event for Kenya, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was removed from office following his impeachment. The Senate held a historic vote on October 16, 2024, finding him guilty on five out of eleven charges, which included serious allegations such as corruption, abuse of office, and constitutional violations. This impeachment followed a decisive vote from the National Assembly, which approved the motion to impeach Mr. Gachagua by a majority of 282 votes on October 8, surpassing the two-thirds requirement needed for such proceedings. The dramatic turn of events saw Mr. Gachagua, who was unable to defend himself due to a hospitalization caused by severe chest pains, become the first Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be ousted via impeachment since the constitutional amendments of 2010. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced that the decision to remove him was finalized, stating, “The Senate has resolved to remove from office, by impeachment, his excellency Rigathi Gachagua, the deputy president of the Republic of Kenya.” While Gachagua maintained his innocence, labeling the allegations against him as “nonsensical” and a betrayal, the Senate proceeded with the hearing despite his pleas for a postponement due to illness. The political atmosphere in Kenya has turned tense, with Gachagua’s support of youth-led protests against government policies drawing further scrutiny. In the wake of his impeachment, President William Ruto has a fourteen-day window to appoint a new Deputy President, amidst speculation regarding potential successors.
The impeachment of a Deputy President is a rare occurrence in Kenyan politics, marking a significant event in the nation’s democratic journey. Since the implementation of the new constitution in 2010, parliamentary procedures have been in place for the impeachment of high-ranking officials. The case of Rigathi Gachagua reflects underlying tensions within the ruling party and broader political divisions in Kenya. His rise to power in the previously contested 2022 elections, alongside President William Ruto, significantly shaped the current political landscape. Gachagua’s impeachment not only sheds light on internal party dynamics but also reveals the fragility of political alliances.
The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua marks a historic and unprecedented moment in Kenyan politics, highlighting the nation’s political tensions and the complexities of governance. His allegations, which have led to a deepening political crisis, raise questions about the integrity of political figures and public trust. The future political landscape of Kenya will be closely monitored, especially concerning President Ruto’s forthcoming appointment of a new Deputy President in light of these developments.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
