Julius Kiprop
Summary:
- Kenya’s Senate will vote on Thursday the potential removal of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after an impeachment trial based on 11 charges.
- The charges include corruption, insubordination, and practicing ethnically divisive politics, although no criminal charges have been filed.
Kenya’s Senate is preparing to vote on Thursday on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment. This pivotal moment in Kenya’s political landscape comes after two days of intense hearings that have drawn widespread attention.
The impeachment vote follows last week’s decision by the National Assembly, where members overwhelmingly supported removing Gachagua from office. The charges against him include allegations of corruption, insubordination to President William Ruto, and engaging in ethnically divisive politics. Despite the serious accusations, Gachagua maintains his innocence, and no formal criminal charges have been pursued in court.
On Thursday, Gachagua is expected to testify in his defense before the Senate casts its final vote. If the Senate upholds the National Assembly’s decision, Gachagua will make history as the first Kenyan deputy president to be impeached under the provisions of the 2010 constitution. This could also lead to significant political repercussions for the Ruto administration.
As the impeachment proceedings reach their climax, Kenya watches closely to see whether Gachagua will retain his position or face removal. The Senate’s decision on Thursday will be a defining moment, marking the potential end of Gachagua’s tenure as deputy president.
