Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faces impeachment amidst allegations of corruption and political tension.
At a Glance
- Kenyan lawmakers impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for corruption and other charges.
- The National Assembly voted 281-44 for impeachment, with one abstention.
- Gachagua denies all charges and has sought to stop proceedings through legal measures.
- The impeachment decision reflects ongoing political tensions in Kenya.
- Gachagua was hospitalized during the trial, causing further disruptions.
Impeachment Dynamics
Kenya’s Senate has moved forward with the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, despite his absence due to illness. The Senate voted against delaying the proceedings, marking a significant political event under Kenya’s 2010 constitution. The impeachment motion, which passed with 281 votes in favor, accused Gachagua of corruption, insubordination, and promoting divisive politics.
Parliament’s majority leader asserted Gachagua had violated eight constitutional provisions. Despite his denial of all charges, the deputy president urged lawmakers to reconsider before casting their votes. Gachagua previously backed President William Ruto in the 2022 elections, but tensions have reportedly strained their relationship.
Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faces historic impeachment proceedings, accused of corruption and inciting ethnic divisions—all of which he denies. BBC's @JewelKiriungi explores what this could mean for Kenya's political future. pic.twitter.com/WYbUNORnit
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) October 15, 2024
Political Implications
The impeachment process, should it pass the Senate with the requisite two-thirds support, would make Gachagua the first deputy to be removed since the adoption of the current constitution. The unfolding political drama presents implications for President Ruto, who has not yet publicly commented but made significant cabinet adjustments after recent protests.
This development can intensify the existing political rift, with Gachagua attributing the impeachment to his outspoken persona. Before his rise to prominence for his role in President Ruto’s campaign, Gachagua was scarcely known outside central Kenya, becoming an MP in 2017. Gachagua was previously arrested on corruption charges, which were later dismissed after assuming his deputy president role.
KENYAN COURT DENIES DEPUTY PRESIDENT IMPEACHMENT REPRIEVE
A Kenyan court has rejected Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's attempt to block the Senate debate and vote on his impeachment, following the National Assembly's overwhelming decision to impeach him on 11 charges,… pic.twitter.com/EOhgXftWxm
— African Stream (@african_stream) October 16, 2024
Challenges Amidst Controversy
The impeachment trial faced an interruption when Gachagua and his lawyer fell ill. He filed a court petition attempting to halt the Senate proceedings, as he faced 11 charges, including corruption and divisive politics. These charges have been exacerbated by accusations of ethnically divisive rhetoric, conflicting with his advocacy for Kenya’s central region.
While Gachagua previously opposed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s selection for the 2022 elections, siding with Ruto, he has since apologized to Kenyatta for past criticisms. His candid demeanor, once an asset, now risks his political career, while he continues to emphasize his heritage as a descendant of the Mau Mau fighters.
Sources
1. Kenya’s Parliament removes the deputy president from office in an impeachment trial