Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing a two-day impeachment trial in the Senate, just two years after his election alongside President William Ruto.
An overwhelming majority in the National Assembly voted to approve his impeachment last week, citing 11 charges including corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and undermining government. Gachagua vehemently denies all accusations.
The trial, which commenced on Wednesday, has become a focal point of national attention. Gachagua, standing before the full Senate, pleaded not guilty to each charge. Despite his numerous attempts to halt the process through legal challenges, the courts have upheld the Senate’s constitutional mandate to proceed.
The impeachment is a stark reflection of the growing rift between Gachagua and President Ruto, who has remained silent on the matter. Analysts predict a likely outcome of Gachagua’s removal, as senators from the ruling party are expected to be joined by the opposition in voting for impeachment.
The charges against Gachagua include allegations of accumulating assets worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings ($40 million) through corrupt means, while he claims they originated from his deceased brother’s estate.
Gachagua’s rapid rise from first-time MP to the country’s second-highest office in just five years has been met with both admiration and scrutiny. His impeachment trial has ignited intense public debate, overshadowing the economic anxieties faced by many Kenyans struggling with the high cost of living.
The political drama of the trial has been viewed by some as a distraction from pressing issues like the recent deadly protests over tax hikes, which exposed the growing rift between Gachagua and Ruto.
The Senate is scheduled to vote on the motion for Gachagua’s removal on Thursday night, with the possibility of extending the process into Friday. If impeached, Gachagua will be barred from holding public office. He is expected to appeal the verdict in the courts if the Senate upholds the impeachment.
Source: bbc
