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Impeachment Proceedings Against Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
Kenya’s parliament has initiated the final phase for the potential removal of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office. The National Assembly recently cast a decisive vote in favor of impeaching him, paving the way for a trial in the Senate that will determine his fate.
Gachagua faces a total of 11 charges, including allegations of corruption, inciting ethnic tensions, and undermining government operations, all of which he vehemently denies. The political turmoil has escalated following a fallout between Gachagua and President William Ruto, who has refrained from commenting on the unfolding situation.
The Senate has opted to conduct the trial in full assembly rather than delegating the investigation to an 11-member committee, a departure from typical procedures. Initial proceedings began with the reading of charges, followed by opening statements from both parties.
Analysts anticipate that the impeachment motion is likely to be affirmed, considering that senators from the ruling party may receive backing from opposition members, similar to what occurred in the lower house’s vote.
Evidence presented by the National Assembly against Gachagua will be introduced for a three-hour examination, followed by a two-hour cross-examination session, starting at 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on Wednesday. The Senate will reconvene on Thursday to review evidence and witness testimonies from Gachagua’s defense until late afternoon.
As the trial culminates Thursday evening, senators are expected to engage in a two-hour debate before proceeding to a vote, which is slated for later that night at 20:30 local time. The Senate has the option to extend the deliberation period into Friday, which marks the final day for any legal extensions.
For Gachagua to be successfully impeached, at least two-thirds of the 67 Senate members must cast their votes in favor of the motion. Should the impeachment be upheld, Gachagua would face a lifetime ban from holding public office.
In the event of a successful impeachment, Gachagua is likely to contest the decision in court. He has already attempted to halt the impeachment process through 26 different legal challenges. Recently, a judge ruled that the courts would not interfere with the Senate’s constitutional duties. Additionally, a ruling from a three-judge bench just prior to the trial echoed this sentiment.
Among the serious accusations against Gachagua is the claim that he has amassed assets valued at 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $40 million; £31 million) within two years of taking office, purportedly through corrupt practices. Gachagua has defended his wealth, stating that many of the assets derive from his late brother’s estate.
A prominent businessman from the influential central Mount Kenya region, Gachagua remarkably ascended from a first-time Member of Parliament to Deputy President within five years after being selected as Ruto’s running mate during the August 2022 elections. Notably, he faced corruption allegations during that period, which were dismissed after he assumed his current role.
The impeachment trial has captured widespread attention among the Kenyan populace and media, with many expressing concerns that the political drama may overshadow pressing economic challenges facing the country. Rising living costs have incited public protests in the past, highlighting a growing discontent among Kenyans and exacerbating the rift between Ruto and Gachagua.
Currently, Gachagua faces accusations of undermining security agencies, particularly following comments he made that attributed blame to the intelligence services amid ongoing political turbulence.
Source
www.bbc.com