Kenya’s parliament has initiated the final steps to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, just two years after he was elected alongside President William Ruto.
Last week, a significant majority in the National Assembly voted in favor of his impeachment, paving the way for a two-day Senate trial that will make the ultimate decision. Gachagua faces 11 charges, including corruption, inciting ethnic tensions, and undermining the government, all of which he denies.
This controversy follows a recent fallout between Gachagua and President Ruto, who has remained silent on the matter. The Senate will conduct the trial in full, having decided against forming an 11-member committee to investigate the charges.
At the trial’s commencement, Gachagua pleaded not guilty to all charges read to him in the chamber. Analysts anticipate that the impeachment will likely be upheld, as ruling party senators are expected to be supported by members of the main opposition, similar to the lower house’s vote.
For Gachagua to be removed from office, at least two-thirds of the 67 Senate members must approve the motion. If the impeachment is successful, he would be barred from holding public office in the future.
On Wednesday, the National Assembly will present its evidence against Gachagua, along with any witnesses, for three hours of examination, followed by two hours of cross-examination. The trial will continue on Thursday, allowing Gachagua’s side to present evidence and witnesses until late afternoon.
After concluding the presentations, senators will debate the motion for about two hours before voting on Thursday night. The Senate may extend the proceedings to Friday, which is the last day it can legally be heard. If the impeachment passes, Gachagua is expected to challenge it in court.
The deputy president has made numerous unsuccessful attempts to halt the impeachment process, filing at least 26 court cases thus far. On Tuesday, a judge ruled against interfering with the Senate’s proceedings, stating it should proceed with its constitutional duties. A three-judge bench also denied a similar request before the trial began.
Gachagua’s impeachment is partly based on accusations that he acquired assets valued at 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings ($40 million; £31 million) through corrupt means in the two years since becoming deputy president. He has claimed that most of the disputed properties were inherited from his late brother’s estate.
Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the influential Mount Kenya region, rose from being a first-time MP to the second-highest office in Kenya in just five years after Ruto selected him as his running mate in the August 2022 election, despite facing previous corruption allegations that were later dismissed after he assumed office.
The impeachment trial has captured significant media attention and public discussion in Kenya, with some viewing the political drama as a distraction from pressing economic issues, especially given the rising cost of living.
Discontent among Kenyans has previously erupted into protests over unpopular tax hikes, highlighting the rift between Ruto and Gachagua.
Gachagua is also accused of undermining security agencies, following remarks he made blaming the intelligence agency for certain failures.
