Kenya’s Senate has officially commenced impeachment hearings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following accusations of corruption, incitement, and undermining the government. The hearings began on Wednesday, just hours after a Kenyan court ruled that the proceedings were constitutional, clearing the way for the Senate to address the serious charges levied against the deputy president.
The impeachment motion, which was passed by Kenya’s National Assembly last week, outlines 11 charges against Gachagua. These charges include corruption, inciting ethnic hatred, and actions that allegedly violated the Kenyan Constitution. The National Assembly’s decision to move forward with the impeachment has sparked intense political debate and media coverage across the country.
Gachagua, however, has firmly denied all accusations, dismissing them as politically motivated. He has accused his detractors of orchestrating a smear campaign to weaken his influence within the government and destabilize the presidency of William Ruto. According to Gachagua’s legal team, the charges against him are baseless and lack substantive evidence, suggesting they are part of a broader political plot to tarnish his reputation. His lawyers argued that the accusations should be seen in the context of internal political struggles rather than a reflection of any wrongdoing on his part.
Despite Gachagua’s defense, the impeachment process has brought attention to some of the most pressing issues in Kenyan politics, particularly the allegations of corruption and ethnic divisions. Lawmaker Mwengi Mutuse, a key witness during the hearings, accused the deputy president of repeatedly violating the constitution and failing to uphold the ethical standards expected of someone in his high office. Mutuse further emphasized that Gachagua’s conduct has contributed to increased political instability and ethnic tensions in certain regions of the country, making his removal from office necessary to restore public trust in the government.
The hearings will give Gachagua an opportunity to defend himself before the Senate, which is tasked with deciding whether he should be removed from office. Gachagua is expected to personally respond to the charges on Thursday, in what promises to be a pivotal moment in the proceedings. The Senate will require a two-thirds majority vote to approve Gachagua’s removal, a threshold that will test the unity of Kenya’s political establishment. Observers note that the impeachment process could have far-reaching implications for the future of Kenya’s political landscape.
If the Senate votes to impeach Gachagua, it would mark a significant shift in the balance of power within the country’s leadership. President William Ruto, who has largely stood by his deputy throughout this ordeal, may face increased pressure to stabilize his administration and prevent further political fallout. Should Gachagua be dismissed, Kenya’s court system will decide on October 29 whether President Ruto has the authority to appoint a new deputy president, or whether alternative processes need to be followed.
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