Senate sends home Deputy President Rigathi Gacjhagua

Nairobi , Kenya — In a historic and dramatic turn of events, the Kenyan Senate voted on Thursday night to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, following an impeachment process that has gripped the country for weeks.

The vote, which took place after hours of intense debate, saw the majority of senators siding with the National Assembly’s decision to oust Gachagua over a series of allegations, including abuse of office, gross misconduct, and failure to uphold the Constitution.

The Senate resolved to vote against only one of the 11 charges brought against Gachagua;Abuse of Office. Gachagua was not at the Senate when the ruling was made. He had earlier on in the day been taken ill.

Gachagua, who was elected alongside President William Ruto in the August 2022 general election, has faced mounting pressure from opposition leaders and some members of his own party. The charges against him, brought forward by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, have polarized both Parliament and the Kenyan public.

Key Allegations

The charges leveled against Gachagua include accusations of influencing state contracts, undermining constitutional bodies, and using his position for personal gain.

Critics have alleged that the Deputy President has repeatedly interfered in government functions for personal and political reasons, a claim he has vehemently denied.

In his defense, Gachagua described the impeachment process as a politically motivated witch-hunt, aimed at weakening the current administration. He has consistently maintained that the accusations are unfounded, calling them part of a wider scheme to discredit his leadership.

The Senate’s Decision

Following a comprehensive impeachment trial in the National Assembly, the matter was forwarded to the Senate, which is constitutionally mandated to try all impeachment cases involving senior government officials.

On Tuesday, the Senate convened in a special sitting to deliberate on the case, ultimately reaching a decision by majority vote to impeach Gachagua.
The vote marks the first time in Kenya’s history that a Deputy President has been removed from office through impeachment.

Gachagua’s Response

In the wake of the Senate’s decision, Gachagua made a public address, asserting his innocence and expressing disappointment at the outcome. “I have been targeted unfairly, and this decision is a stain on our democracy,” he said. Gachagua further indicated that he would explore all available legal avenues to challenge the impeachment.

What’s Next?

According to the Constitution, the removal of the Deputy President creates a vacancy that must be filled. Under Article 147(3), if the office of the Deputy President becomes vacant, the President is expected to nominate a replacement within 14 days, with the appointee subject to approval by Parliament.

The country now waits to see whom President Ruto will nominate to fill Gachagua’s place, amid speculation over potential candidates from within the ruling party.

Political Fallout

The impeachment has undoubtedly shaken the political landscape in Kenya. Analysts predict that the removal of Gachagua could lead to further divisions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, which has already experienced internal tensions.

It also raises questions about the unity of the government as it heads into the second half of its term.

Opposition leaders have welcomed the Senate’s decision, viewing it as a triumph for accountability and good governance. Raila Odinga, leader of the opposition Azimio la Umoja coalition, said that the impeachment “sends a strong message that no one is above the law.”

Public Reaction

The public reaction to Gachagua’s impeachment has been mixed. While some Kenyans have expressed satisfaction with Gachagua’s impeachment, citing the need for integrity in high office, others believe the move was politically motivated.

As the political dust settles, Kenya’s leadership faces an uncertain future. The removal of a sitting Deputy President, a key player in the government, is bound to have far-reaching implications for the administration and the country’s political stability.

For now, all eyes remain on President Ruto as the constitution mandates him to nominate the a new Deputy President within 14 days.