In a historic and dramatic day for Kenya, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was voted out of office by the Senate while hospitalized, following an impeachment trial surrounded by allegations of corruption, ethnic division, and an attempt to undermine the president. Gachagua, who served on a joint ticket with President William Ruto just two years ago, faced 11 charges but failed to appear for his defense due to what was reported as chest pains that required medical attention at The Karen Hospital.
Despite his lawyer's request for a postponement of the trial, the Senate proceeded without Gachagua, indicating the lawmakers' determination to proceed with the impeachment. The chamber’s decision to vote continues to build on mounting tensions and infighting within the government over the past several months. The impeachment vote came shortly after a significant majority in the National Assembly voted for his removal, signaling further fractures in Ruto's administration.
Gachagua, often referred to as Riggy G, has labeled the impeachment process as a "political lynching" and has expressed intentions to challenge the decision. His ousting notably consolidates President Ruto's power after months of conflict culminating from disagreements over government policies, such as tax hikes that led to mass protests across the country.
Upon the conclusion of the trial, a vote revealed that two-thirds of the 67 senators supported Gachagua's ousting, with the allegations surrounding his conduct deemed serious enough to warrant his removal. The fallout also could mean a fresh political landscape in Kenya as speculation mounts surrounding potential successors. Notable names being floated include Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata and Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru.
While Ruto has remained silent on the impeachment, the political climate is tense, and reactions are anticipated as the nation watches to see how its leadership evolves from this significant political shift.
