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Kenya’s political landscape is poised for a pivotal moment as the Senate prepares to vote on the potential impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This unprecedented event, which has gripped the nation, could see the removal of a sitting deputy president for the first time since Kenya’s 2010 constitution introduced the impeachment process.
The Senate’s decision follows a historic vote in the National Assembly last week, where 282 MPs out of the 349-member assembly overwhelmingly supported Gachagua’s impeachment on 11 charges, including corruption, insubordination, ethnic divisiveness, and undermining the government. Despite Gachagua’s efforts to halt the proceedings through multiple court bids, the Senate trial began on Wednesday, and the embattled deputy president is expected to testify in his defense later today.
Charges and Political Tensions
Gachagua, popularly known as “Riggy G,” has firmly denied all accusations, dismissing them as “nonsensical allegations.” Although no criminal charges have been brought against him, the Senate vote will determine whether he will be removed from office. For the impeachment to succeed, at least two-thirds of the 67-seat Senate must vote in favor of just one of the charges.
If the impeachment proceeds, Gachagua will be the first deputy president to be ousted under these circumstances, but he retains the option to challenge the decision in court. His political future, however, appears tenuous, as media outlets have already begun speculating on potential successors, including Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, and Anne Waiguru, a county governor.
Political Fallout and Gachagua’s Response
Gachagua, a powerful figure from Kenya’s largest ethnic group, the Kikuyu, rose to the deputy presidency as President William Ruto’s running mate in the tightly contested 2022 election. However, he has recently voiced frustrations about being sidelined within the administration and was accused of tacitly supporting youth-led anti-government protests earlier this year over unpopular tax hikes. These allegations have fueled political tensions and exposed deep divisions at the highest levels of government.
Despite the looming vote, Gachagua has called for peace and calm among his supporters, especially in his stronghold of central Kenya, urging them to “preach and maintain peace irrespective of the outcome.” He has also criticized the impeachment process as politically motivated and rushed, arguing that it ignores the will of the people who elected him.
What’s Next?
With the Senate vote set to conclude today, Gachagua’s political future hangs in the balance. If impeached, it would mark a dramatic turn in Kenya’s political history, potentially reshaping the country’s leadership dynamics. Although President Ruto has remained silent on the matter, Gachagua has suggested that the impeachment could not have progressed without his approval, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political saga.
