The Kenyan Senate has made history by impeaching deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, marking the first time a deputy president has faced such a fate in the country.
The vote took place on Thursday evening, despite a request from Gachagua’s lawyer, Paul Muite, to delay the proceedings due to Gachagua’s hospitalization from illness shortly before the vote.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi had set a deadline for Gachagua to appear before the Senate, which he ultimately missed. In total, 53 senators supported the impeachment, upholding one of the charges against him.
Rigathi Gachagua faced a total of 11 charges but was impeached on five counts, which included serious allegations such as undermining the independence of judges and gross misconduct related to public attacks on national security services.
His actions, particularly his public criticism of the intelligence agency regarding its handling of protests against tax hikes, were perceived as undermining President William Ruto’s authority .
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In a notable turnout, 281 Members of Parliament voted for the ouster motion, while only 44 opposed it, with one member abstaining.
This significant decision by the Senate reflects ongoing political tensions within the Kenyan government.
