Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now facing an impeachment trial, marking a critical moment in the country’s political landscape. The trial, which began on Wednesday in the Senate, follows a decisive vote in the National Assembly last week, where an overwhelming majority approved his impeachment. The process will determine whether Gachagua will be removed from office.
Gachagua is facing 11 serious charges, including corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and undermining the government. He has denied all accusations. The trial comes after his fallout with President William Ruto, who has remained silent throughout the controversy.
Initially, the Senate had considered forming an 11-member committee to investigate the charges. However, it opted instead for a full house trial, where the evidence against the deputy president will be presented and examined publicly.
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3 pic.twitter.com/XX3jAwdhIV
— H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH (@rigathi) October 13, 2024
The trial is set to span two days. On Wednesday, evidence brought forward by the National Assembly, including witnesses, will be heard for three hours, followed by two hours of cross-examination. The process will resume on Thursday, with Gachagua’s defense team presenting their evidence and witnesses until late in the afternoon.
At the conclusion of the proceedings on Thursday evening, senators will engage in a two-hour debate before casting their votes at 20:30 local time. At least two-thirds of the 67 Senate members must vote in favor of the motion for the impeachment to succeed. Should the vote be delayed, the Senate has until Friday to finalize the matter.
If the impeachment is upheld, Gachagua will be permanently barred from holding public office. Analysts expect the motion to pass, as senators from the ruling party are likely to be backed by the opposition, mirroring the results of the lower house vote.
Gachagua has attempted to stop the impeachment process, filing at least 26 court cases. However, both the courts and a three-judge bench ruled in favor of allowing the Senate to proceed with its constitutional mandate. On Tuesday, a judge rejected his latest request to halt the trial.
One of the key allegations against Gachagua is that he acquired assets worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $40 million) in the two years since becoming deputy president, allegedly through corrupt means. Gachagua has argued that the properties were inherited from his late brother’s estate.
Despite his rapid rise in politics, from a first-time MP to deputy president, Gachagua’s impeachment trial has captivated national attention, with many Kenyans concerned that the political drama is overshadowing the country’s pressing economic issues. Recent protests against unpopular tax hikes have highlighted growing tensions between Gachagua and President Ruto.
As the impeachment trial continues, Gachagua is expected to challenge any ruling against him in court if the Senate votes to remove him from office.
