Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been impeached following a Senate vote that upheld charges of threatening judges and engaging in divisive politics. His health issues prevented him from defending himself during the trial. Gachagua’s ousting highlights a significant political rift with President William Ruto and raises concerns about political stability in Kenya amidst ongoing public discontent over government policies.
In a groundbreaking event in Kenyan politics, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been impeached after the Senate voted to remove him from office on October 17, 2024. This follows an overwhelming vote by the National Assembly in the previous week, which supported the impeachment on 11 charges, including corruption and abuse of office. Ultimately, Gachagua was found guilty on five counts, which included making threats against judges and engaging in ethnically divisive political practices. Interestingly, he was acquitted of corruption and money laundering allegations. Gachagua, who is the first deputy president to face impeachment since the establishment of the revised 2010 constitution, was unable to present his defense during the Senate trial due to health concerns, being hospitalized with chest pains on the day of the vote. Once a powerful ally of President William Ruto, Gachagua’s ousting marks a significant shift in the political landscape, exposing underlying tensions between him and the president, especially in the wake of recent anti-government protests fueled by unpopular tax hikes. Following his removal, there remains a cloud of uncertainty over the political atmosphere in Kenya, traditionally viewed as a stable democracy in East Africa.
The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is a significant event in Kenya’s constitutional history, representing the first such instance since the introduction of impeachment provisions in the 2010 constitution. The political rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto has been increasingly evident, exacerbated by Gachagua’s complaints about being marginalized and accusations of stirring dissent among youth through protests against government policies. The impeachment proceedings reflect deeper issues of governance and accountability in Kenyan politics, raising questions about the future of the ruling party’s cohesion amidst growing public dissatisfaction with fiscal policies.
The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua signals a critical turn in Kenya’s political dynamic, bringing to light the complexities of power struggles within the government. Gachagua’s removal, driven by allegations of misconduct, not only reflects a break in the alliance with President Ruto but also illustrates the potential volatility within Kenya’s political landscape. This unprecedented event will likely shape the future political strategy of the ruling party and influence voter sentiment heading into future elections.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
