In a dramatic turn of events in Kenya’s political landscape, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was removed from office while hospitalized for chest pains.
Senators voted overwhelmingly to impeach him, despite his absence during the trial. The decision comes just days after the National Assembly set the stage for the Senate trial, where Gachagua faced 11 charges, including inciting ethnic divisions.
Gachagua, often referred to as “Riggy G,” had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was expected to defend himself in the Senate.
However, his lawyer informed the chamber that he was undergoing treatment at The Karen Hospital, prompting senators to proceed without him.
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This move underscores the urgency among lawmakers to conclude the trial, reflecting the deepening rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto.
During the trial, five charges were upheld by the required two-thirds majority, leading to Gachagua’s ousting.
While he was cleared of six other charges, including corruption, the verdict marks a significant shift in Kenya’s leadership dynamics.
Gachagua had characterized the impeachment as a “political lynching,” claiming that the allegations against him were unfounded.
This impeachment highlights the growing tension within the Kenyan government, particularly following Gachagua’s public criticism of Ruto’s administration and mismanagement of recent protests against tax hikes.
Following these events, Ruto has reshuffled his cabinet, integrating opposition members to stabilize his government.
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As speculation rises about Gachagua’s successor, four potential candidates are emerging, including Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru.
Ruto has remained silent on the impeachment, but the outcome consolidates his power and resolves ongoing infighting at the highest levels of government.
As Gachagua undergoes tests for his heart condition, political analysts will be watching closely to see how this upheaval will reshape Kenya’s political landscape in the coming months.