NAIROBI, Oct 16 – The Kenyan High Court has ruled that the impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are constitutional, paving the way for the Senate to conduct hearings and vote on his possible dismissal later this week. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, clears a major hurdle in the political standoff surrounding the deputy president, who faces a series of serious charges.
Impeachment Motion and Charges
Gachagua, who served as President William Ruto’s running mate in their 2022 election victory, has been at the center of political controversy. Last week, Kenya’s National Assembly voted to impeach the deputy president on 11 different charges, including corruption, undermining the government, and inciting ethnic divisions. Gachagua has vehemently denied these accusations, labeling the entire process as politically motivated.
The impeachment motion was heavily supported by opposition lawmakers, along with some allies of President Ruto. This move marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, given Gachagua’s previous role in securing crucial votes from the central Kenya region during the 2022 presidential campaign.
Deputy President Denies Allegations
In response to the impeachment, Gachagua filed an appeal in the Kenyan High Court, seeking to block the proceedings. He claimed that the charges against him were fabricated and constituted a politically motivated attack, or what he described as a “political lynching.” According to court documents, the deputy president argued that the accusations lacked merit and were part of a broader strategy by his political opponents to discredit him.
Despite Gachagua’s appeal, High Court Judge Erick Ogolla ruled that the impeachment process could move forward, stating that the procedure was constitutional. “At this stage, the process is a lawful, constitutional process,” Judge Ogolla said. “The Senate will conduct a trial where all the issues being raised before the court will be addressed and determined.”
Political Fallout and Changing Alliances
The relationship between Gachagua and President Ruto has deteriorated in recent months, despite their previous alliance. Their partnership had been instrumental in winning the 2022 election, with Gachagua bringing substantial support from central Kenya. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically, with Ruto dismissing many of his cabinet members and appointing opposition leaders to form what he called a “unity government.” This realignment occurred after widespread protests against tax hikes, which resulted in more than 50 deaths.
The fallout between the president and his deputy has deepened as political allegiances have shifted. Gachagua has publicly criticized the government’s policies, accusing the administration of failing to address critical issues affecting the country. The impeachment proceedings have now brought their feud into the national spotlight.
Senate to Conduct Impeachment Hearings
Following the High Court’s ruling, the Senate is set to hold hearings on the impeachment motion on Wednesday. The trial will give Gachagua an opportunity to present his defense and challenge the accusations leveled against him. The impeachment process will culminate in a vote, expected to take place on Thursday. For Gachagua to be dismissed, a two-thirds majority of the Senate must vote in favor of his removal.
The outcome of the Senate vote remains uncertain, as political loyalties in Kenya are often fluid. However, the impeachment has already caused significant political turbulence, further straining the relationship between the executive branch and the country’s opposition parties.
The Path Ahead for Gachagua and Kenya
If the Senate votes to remove Gachagua from office, it will be a historic moment in Kenya’s political history, marking one of the few times a sitting deputy president has faced impeachment. The decision will also have far-reaching consequences for Kenya’s political stability, especially as the country grapples with economic challenges, public discontent, and shifting political alliances.
For Gachagua, the impeachment battle is a critical moment in his political career. A dismissal could spell the end of his influence in Kenyan politics, while surviving the vote could give him a platform to rebuild his political standing. However, with the charges against him, including corruption and undermining the government, his future remains uncertain.
In the meantime, Kenya watches closely as the Senate prepares to make its decision. The nation’s political dynamics continue to evolve, with the impeachment proceedings at the forefront of the country’s current political drama.
As the hearings begin and the vote approaches, it is clear that this impeachment process will not only determine Gachagua’s fate but also shape the future of Kenyan politics in the coming months.