Africa
Kenya: Senate Impeach Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua
The Kenyan Senate has voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, marking the first time a deputy president has been removed from office in the country’s history.
Gachagua faced 11 charges, including allegations of shareholding improprieties, undermining judicial independence, and gross misconduct. He was impeached on five counts, with at least 53 senators supporting the first charge.
Impeachment Charges:
- Shareholding Improprieties: Allegations of unethical business dealings
- Undermining Judicial Independence: Accusations of interfering with the judiciary
- Violations of the National Cohesion and Integrity Act: Failure to promote national unity
- Gross Misconduct: Publicly criticizing the national security intelligence service
The Final Vote:
281 members of parliament voted in favor of the impeachment motion, with only 44 opposing and one abstention. The Senate proceeded with the vote despite Gachagua’s lawyer, Paul Muite, requesting a delay due to the deputy president’s hospitalization.
What Led to Impeachment?
Gachagua’s public criticism of the head of the intelligence agency in June was seen as a pivotal moment. He blamed the agency for failing to inform President William Ruto and the government about protests against tax hikes, which was perceived as undermining the president.
