A hot topic emerges in a dramatic manner today with the surprise impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, after a massive vote by 281 Kenyan MPs. This historic decision has shaken the political foundations of the country and could well mark a major turning point in its recent history.
Gachagua, who has served as Kenya’s deputy president since William Ruto’s election in 2022, has been accused of various misdeeds, ranging from supporting anti-government protests in June to allegations of corruption and irregularities. Despite his attempts to defend himself in the media and in Parliament, the verdict was in and the majority of MPs chose to remove him from office.
The unprecedented decision has sparked an explosion of joy among some Kenyans, reflecting the pent-up frustration with Gachagua’s controversial political practices. According to Article 145 2A of the Constitution, the impeachment process must be approved by at least 2/3 of the National Assembly, which opens the way to a possible confirmation by the Senate.
If the Senate also supports the motion, Gachagua would become the first vice president to be impeached since the adoption of the new Constitution in 2010. The criteria for impeachment, as stipulated in Chapter 9 of the Constitution, are strict and include grounds such as a flagrant violation of the law or accusations of national or international crimes.
In his defense, Gachagua tried to justify his assets and the expenses of renovating his official residence, claiming that some properties mentioned in the impeachment motion belonged to his late brother. However, these arguments were not enough to convince a majority of deputies of his probity.
This months-long rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto has finally come to light, highlighting the growing political tensions within the Kenyan government. The recent historic protests, where Kenyans demanded the ouster of President Ruto, may have been the trigger for this unexpected impeachment move.
In conclusion, Kenya’s political future remains uncertain in the face of this bold move, which could redefine the balance of power within the country. As the legal battle continues, the eyes of the world remain on this East African country, awaiting new revelations and future developments that could shape its political destiny.