In a significant development, Kenya’s National Assembly has voted overwhelmingly in favor of impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The motion, which was tabled by the ruling alliance, garnered 281 votes in support, surpassing the required 117 votes. Only 44 lawmakers opposed the motion.
The impeachment process will now proceed to the upper house, the Senate, where a two-thirds majority vote is required to finalize Gachagua’s removal from office. If successful, Kenya’s constitution allows for automatic removal.
Meanwhile Gachagua faces several allegations, including: Supporting anti-government protests; Corruption; and
Other irregularities
The Deputy President has vehemently denied all accusations.
In his defense, Gachagua described the impeachment process as “political” and urged lawmakers to vote “without intimidation and coercion.”
He also claimed that the motion had President William Ruto’s backing, although Ruto has not publicly commented on the matter.
President Ruto has maintained silence on the impeachment, previously stating that he would not publicly humiliate his deputy.
This stance is reminiscent of Ruto’s complicated relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.