Senate Votes to Impeach Deputy President Gachagua

In a historic move, the Senate voted on Thursday to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, dismissing him on five out of 11 charges. This unprecedented decision raises concerns about a potential political crisis in the country.

The National Assembly had voted last week to impeach Gachagua, who played a key role in President William Ruto’s election victory two years ago but has faced criticism from the president’s allies over alleged disloyalty and provocative statements.

Fifty-four of the 67 senators supported the first charge of “gross violation of the constitution,” surpassing the two-thirds majority required by law. With this vote, Gachagua becomes the first Kenyan deputy president to be removed from office through impeachment.

“Accordingly, His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua… ceases to hold office,” announced Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

However, the process may not end here. Gachagua has filed multiple petitions challenging the impeachment, and the Chief Justice has appointed a panel of three judges to review them.

Gachagua, who has denied the allegations, was scheduled to defend himself before the Senate on Thursday but did not appear. His lawyer, Paul Muite, claimed that the deputy president was hospitalized due to severe chest pains, requesting a delay in proceedings.

Despite his absence, the Senate proceeded with the vote, leading to a walkout by Gachagua’s legal team in protest. Dr. Dan Gikonyo, who is treating Gachagua, confirmed that he was admitted to a Nairobi hospital for heart-related issues but is now stable and expected to remain hospitalized for 24 to 72 hours.

Some senators raised concerns about voting without Gachagua present. “We are trying a man in the hospital because the only crime Rigathi Gachagua has committed is a political crime, so he has to be removed from the way, whatever it takes,” said Senator John Methu.