Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Impeached by the Senate
The Senate has upheld Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment following two days of intense debate.
After a thorough examination of the evidence presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, the senators voted unanimously to remove him from office.
The decision marks a significant moment in the nation’s history, as it is the first time a sitting deputy president has been impeached.
The Senate voted in favour of five out of the 11 grounds presented as grounds for his removal including allegations of shareholding, undermining the independence of judges, violating the National Cohesion and Integrity Act, committing crimes under the National Cohesion Act, and engaging in gross misconduct (public attacks on the National Intelligence Service).
54 senators voted in support of the first count of gross violation of the constitution while 13 senators voted against it.
Gachagua was ousted while admitted at the Karen Hospital after complaining of chest pains.
Gachagua’s legal team, led by attorney Paul Muite, sought to delay the impeachment hearing until Tuesday next week.
However, the Senate rejected this request, deciding to proceed with the impeachment process nonetheless.
His legal team walked out of the house in protest of the proceedings.
Before the Senate trial, Gachagua tried to stop the impeachment proceedings with 26 court cases, but none of them were successful.
President William Ruto has already nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the next Deputy President following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.
Kindiki’s name has been presented to the National Assembly where MPs are expected to vote on it.
Speaker Moses Wetangula made the official announcement of the appointment in a special session convened on Friday.
“I have received a message from the president on the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy in the office of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya,” stated Wetang’ula.
Kindiki previously served as the Senator for Tharaka Nithi County for two terms.
