Kenya’s political landscape is currently undergoing a significant upheaval as the parliament has resolved to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, merely two years after he was elected alongside President William Ruto. The National Assembly has voted overwhelmingly in favor of his impeachment, which sets the stage for a two-day trial in the Senate. Gachagua faces 11 serious charges, including allegations of corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and undermining governmental institutions, all of which he staunchly denies. The backdrop of this political drama is marked by a notable fallout between Gachagua and Ruto, the president, who has opted to remain silent throughout this turbulent process.
The impeachment process is unfolding in the Senate where Gachagua is standing trial without the previously proposed 11-member committee for investigation. The full Senate convened to read the charges against him at the trial’s commencement, to which he pleaded not guilty. Given the prevailing political dynamics, analysts predict that the Senate may uphold the impeachment, with the ruling party’s senators likely receiving support from the opposition, similar to the lower house’s earlier vote. For Gachagua to be removed from office, at least two-thirds of the 67 Senate members must endorse the motion, which, if successful, would bar him from holding any public office in the future.
As the trial proceeds, the National Assembly is set to present evidence against Gachagua, which includes witness testimonies. This evidence will be critically examined, followed by cross-examination sessions that involve both sides. On the subsequent day, the trial will continue as Gachagua’s defense presents its evidence and witnesses before the Senate. As the process completes, senators will engage in a debate lasting about two hours before casting their votes. The timeline of the proceedings suggests that if the Senate requires additional time, the process could extend until Friday, the final allowable day for the hearings.
Gachagua has attempted to stall the impeachment process through numerous court challenges, with at least 26 cases filed thus far, though each has been dismissed. A recent ruling by a judge emphasized that the courts would not intervene and that the Senate must fulfill its constitutional duties. This lack of judicial intervention reflects a significant consolidation of political power within the legislative branch, as Gachagua faces mounting pressures from both his own political party as well as the broader governance structure.
Accusations surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment include claims that he accumulated assets valued at approximately 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings (around $40 million) through corrupt practices during his two-year term as deputy president. Gachagua attributes much of his wealth to the estate of his late brother and insists that his business dealings prior to office were legitimate. Nevertheless, his rapid ascent from being a first-time Member of Parliament to the deputy presidency raises eyebrows, especially considering that he previously faced corruption charges, which were dismissed soon after he assumed office.
The unfolding trial has sparked extensive discussion among the Kenyan populace and in media circles, with opinions split on the implications of the impeachment move. Some observers interpret the political spectacle as a significant distraction from pressing economic issues, such as the high cost of living that continues to afflict many Kenyans. The ongoing rift between Ruto and Gachagua has also intensified public scrutiny, exacerbated by previous protests over tax hikes that left citizens frustrated and demonstrators taking to the streets. In light of these events, Gachagua stands accused not only of dismantling inter-agency cooperation within the government but also of provoking ethnic divisions, further complicating an already tense political environment.