Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Removed From Office

In a dramatic turn of events, Kenyan senators voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, despite his absence from the trial due to health concerns. Gachagua, who pleaded not guilty to 11 charges earlier in the week, was unable to attend the hearing as his lawyer revealed that he had been hospitalised with chest pains at The Karen Hospital.

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Despite his absence, the Senate chose to proceed with the impeachment vote, rejecting requests from Gachagua’s defense team for a postponement. This decision marks a historic moment, as Gachagua becomes the first Kenyan deputy president to be removed from office through impeachment.

Charges Against Rigathi Gachagua

Gachagua, popularly known as “Riggy G,” faced 11 charges, of which five were upheld by the Senate. These include inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office. He was cleared of six charges, including corruption and money laundering. The accusations against him stemmed from his alleged undermining of government policies, particularly his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration over unpopular tax hikes and forced evictions during heavy rains.

The impeachment process, which began after an overwhelming majority of MPs in the National Assembly voted for his removal, signals a definitive end to months of internal strife within the Kenyan government. Gachagua had been a key ally of President Ruto, helping him secure votes from the populous Mount Kenya region during the 2022 election. However, the relationship between the two soured over time, culminating in Gachagua’s removal from office.

Political Fallout and Replacement

Following the impeachment, President William Ruto swiftly nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy president. Kindiki, a close ally of Ruto and former lawyer during his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), was unanimously approved by parliament in a vote of 236-0. However, the Nairobi High Court has temporarily suspended Kindiki’s swearing-in, pending a hearing on October 24 to address legal challenges raised by Gachagua’s defense team.

Kindiki’s nomination is significant given his strong political ties with Ruto and his reputation for overseeing the controversial police response during anti-government protests earlier this year. His appointment is expected to consolidate Ruto’s control over the government and bring stability to the administration following months of internal disputes.

A Divided Government

Gachagua’s impeachment has highlighted deep divisions within the ruling party. Political analysts point to the growing friction between Gachagua and Ruto as the primary catalyst for the ousting. In June, Gachagua publicly blamed the intelligence services for failing to adequately inform the government about the scale of public protests against tax hikes, a move seen as undermining Ruto’s leadership.

Ruto, who has remained silent on Gachagua’s impeachment, faces scrutiny over his handling of the country’s economic challenges, particularly his efforts to raise taxes to address Kenya’s mounting foreign debt. The protests against these measures led Ruto to reshuffle his cabinet and bring opposition members into his government, further intensifying political tensions.

Legal Challenges and Public Reactions

Gachagua has vowed to challenge the impeachment in court, claiming that the process was politically motivated and rushed. He has described his removal as a “political lynching” and suggested that his safety is at risk following the withdrawal of his security protection. The former deputy president’s supporters argue that the impeachment was orchestrated to eliminate him as a political threat to Ruto.

The impeachment has sparked widespread debate in Kenya, with many seeing it as a politically charged move rather than a legitimate legal process. Critics argue that the Senate’s decision to clear Gachagua of corruption charges while upholding others related to incitement and violation of office reflects a selective approach to justice.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead

The removal of Rigathi Gachagua marks the end of a turbulent chapter in Kenyan politics, but the ripple effects of his impeachment are far from over. With Kithure Kindiki’s appointment as deputy president temporarily suspended by the High Court, the government finds itself in a state of political uncertainty. Meanwhile, Gachagua’s legal battle to overturn the Senate’s decision could prolong the turmoil.

As Kenya navigates these challenges, the focus shifts to maintaining stability within the government and addressing the country’s economic and social issues, which have been exacerbated by public protests and political infighting. The outcome of the legal challenges and the eventual swearing-in of a new deputy president will shape the future of President Ruto’s administration and the country’s political landscape.