The Senate has voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after a two-day session filled with extensive evidence review and cross-examination.
Gachagua, currently hospitalized at Karen Hospital, was removed after Senators upheld five of the 11 charges presented against him. A total of 54 Senators supported the first charge of gross violation of Articles 10, 27, 73, 75, and 129 of the Constitution, while 13 opposed it. On the second charge, involving gross violation of Articles 147 and 152, 28 Senators voted in favor, and 39 against.
The third charge, regarding undermining devolution (violating Articles 6, 10, 74, 186, and 189), saw 18 supporting and 45 opposing. The fourth charge, focused on undermining judicial independence (violating Article 160), was backed by 51 Senators, with 16 against. The fifth charge of breaching his oath of office and allegiance (Articles 3 and 148) garnered 49 votes in favor, 16 opposed, and two abstentions.
Other charges included alleged criminal conduct under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, supported by 48 Senators, while 18 opposed it and one abstained. However, charges relating to corruption under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, and money laundering, were rejected, with 52 Senators voting against and only 14 in favor.
ALSO READ: Karen Nyamu questions what President Ruto saw in DP Gachagua.
Some grounds, including charges under the Penal Code and Leadership and Integrity Act, were also dismissed, with 40 Senators opposing and 27 supporting. Allegations of misconduct, such as public attacks on the National Intelligence Service, received 46 votes in favor, while 20 opposed. However, the grounds related to insubordination and bullying were largely rejected.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced, “Pursuant to Articles 145, 7, and 151(b) of the Constitution, the Senate has removed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office by impeachment. He ceases to hold office immediately.”
Gachagua’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, requested a postponement due to his hospitalization with severe chest pains, but the Senate rejected the request, leading the defense team to walk out, citing their inability to proceed without instructions from their client.
ALSO READ: DP Gachagua Falls ill, Rushed to Hospital
The decision sparked a heated debate, with some Senators, particularly from Central Kenya, condemning the impeachment as unjust. Nyandarua Senator John Methu warned of future political consequences, stating, “This divorce that the President is seeking will have catastrophic results.”
The vote sets the stage for the National Assembly to meet and approve a new Deputy President, once nominated by the President.
