Gachagua Becomes First Deputy President Impeached Under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, as President Ruto Swiftly Replaces Him with Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki
NAIROBI, KENYA- In a historic political upheaval, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by Kenyan senators on Thursday, marking the first time a deputy leader has been removed from office under the revised 2010 constitution. This dramatic development unfolded despite Gachagua’s absence from the trial due to hospitalization for severe chest pains.
The Senate voted to impeach Gachagua on five of the 11 charges against him, including accusations of “gross violation” of the constitution, such as threatening judges and engaging in ethnically divisive politics. Gachagua had previously pleaded not guilty to these allegations, labeling them “nonsensical” and “outrageous.” Following his impeachment, President William Ruto promptly nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as his replacement.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed the resolution, stating,
“The Senate has resolved to remove from office, by impeachment, his excellency Rigathi Gachagua.”
The swift decision capped a turbulent day that began with Gachagua undergoing medical tests at Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he was reported to be stable but required further observation.
This political saga follows a similar motion that was overwhelmingly passed by the National Assembly last week, which had previously voted 282 to 0 in favor of impeachment, exceeding the two-thirds majority required.
The impeachment trial proceeded even after Gachagua’s lawyers protested his absence, arguing that he had a constitutional right to defend himself. Their walkout highlighted the tension surrounding the proceedings, with Gachagua claiming the impeachment process could not have occurred without Ruto’s approval.
In recent weeks, Gachagua had expressed concerns about being marginalized by President Ruto, despite being a crucial ally during the 2022 election campaign that helped secure Ruto’s presidency. As political tensions rise, Gachagua has been accused of supporting youth-led anti-government protests stemming from unpopular tax hikes.
In a show of unity, Gachagua had urged his supporters to remain calm regardless of the impeachment’s outcome.
“Let’s preach and maintain peace irrespective of the outcome. Kenya is our country,”
he told churchgoers in his central Kenya stronghold.
With Ruto having 14 days to select a new deputy, speculation abounds regarding potential successors. Names circulating in the media include Kindiki, Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, and county governor Anne Waiguru.
As the dust settles on this unprecedented political event, Kenyans watch closely to see how Ruto’s administration will navigate the fallout and maintain stability in a country known for its political resilience.
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