“Fatshimetrie’s Deputy President Facing Impeachment: Struggle to Save His Position”
Kenya’s Vice President Rigathi Gachagua is currently in the midst of an intense political battle as he faces impeachment proceedings. Accused of various wrongdoings such as bribery, inciting ethnic divisions and supporting historic anti-government protests, Gachagua pleaded not guilty during a Senate hearing last Wednesday.
Gachagua’s defense now has two days to cross-examine witnesses and try to convince senators to vote in his favor, with a final decision expected Thursday night. Despite concerns raised by the vice president’s lawyers about irregularities in the proceedings, recent court rulings have allowed parliament and the Senate to continue debating impeachment.
The 59-year-old politician believes the charges against him are politically motivated. Gachagua’s supporters and opponents clashed in public forums in early October over the ruling alliance’s impeachment motion.
The case highlights tensions within the Kenyan government, particularly between Gachagua and President William Ruto. A situation Ruto had promised to avoid after strained relations when he was deputy president to former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
If impeachment goes ahead, Gachagua would become the first sitting deputy president to be removed from office in Kenya’s history. The situation underscores the high stakes in politics in the country and the complexity of relationships within the government. The Senate’s decision will be critical to Gachagua’s political future and could have repercussions beyond his term.