Gachagua Impeached by National Assembly: In a groundbreaking political event, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been impeached by the National Assembly, becoming the first deputy president in Kenya’s history to face such a fate.
The impeachment motion, led by Kibwezi West MP Mutuse Mwengi, was based on 11 serious allegations, including money laundering, gross misconduct, and illegal acquisition of wealth. The Senate is now set to take up the matter, with Senate Speaker Amason Kingi calling for a special session on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, to hear the charges against Gachagua.
Senate Convenes for Impeachment Hearing
Following the historic decision that saw Gachagua impeached by the National Assembly, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has moved swiftly to convene the Senate for an official hearing.
The sitting, scheduled for October 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., will see the Senate deliberate on whether to confirm the National Assembly’s decision. This next phase of the process is crucial in determining whether the deputy president will be officially removed from office.
According to the Kenyan Constitution, the Senate can appoint a special committee to investigate the charges or opt for a full plenary session, where all Senators will hear the charges and Gachagua’s defense. If more than two-thirds of the Senate, or 45 members, vote to uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will lose his position.
Grounds for Impeachment
The move to have Gachagua impeached by the National Assembly was supported by an overwhelming majority of MPs, with 281 voting in favor of the motion and 44 opposing it. One MP chose to abstain. The motion needed a minimum of 233 votes to pass, meaning the impeachment had strong backing across the political spectrum.
The key charges against Gachagua include the illegal acquisition of Ksh5.2 billion over the last two years. In addition, accusations of undermining President William Ruto, gross violations of the Constitution, promoting ethnic divisions, and publicly attacking a judge were also leveled against him.
These allegations have raised serious concerns about Gachagua’s ability to continue as Kenya’s deputy president.
Impeachment Process and Political Implications
If the Senate votes to remove Gachagua from office, it will send shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape. The move has already strained relations between the deputy president and President William Ruto, with allegations of insubordination and undermining the presidency contributing to the tension.
Gachagua’s Response to Impeachment
After being impeached by the National Assembly, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua took to social media to express his thoughts. Rather than addressing the specific allegations directly, Gachagua posted Bible verses, signaling his faith and acceptance of the situation.
“It is well,” he said, quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which advises people to give thanks in all circumstances. Gachagua also referenced Jeremiah 30:19, which speaks of bringing honor and thanksgiving.
His religious response to the impeachment process has drawn varied reactions, with some supporters rallying behind him, while critics demand accountability for the serious allegations he faces.
Historic First in Kenya’s Political Landscape
With Gachagua impeached by the National Assembly, Kenya finds itself in uncharted territory. This is the first time a sitting deputy president has faced impeachment, a move that is likely to have long-lasting effects on the country’s governance. As the Senate prepares to deliberate on the matter, the nation is watching closely.
Conclusion: Gachagua’s Impeachment and the Road Ahead
The decision to have Gachagua impeached by the National Assembly has set the stage for one of the most dramatic political events in Kenya’s recent history. The Senate’s role in this process is now critical, as it will decide whether Gachagua remains in office or becomes the first deputy president in Kenya to be removed by impeachment.
The charges against Gachagua, particularly the allegations of illegal wealth acquisition, gross misconduct, and undermining the President, highlight significant challenges in Kenya’s fight against corruption. As the impeachment saga unfolds, the future of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—and the political stability of Kenya—hangs in the balance.
