It’s now official that the Deputy President seat in Kenya is vacant. This is after the National Assembly overwhelmingly voted on his impeachment motion.
Parliament voted on Tuesday to impeach Gachagua on 11 charges including enriching himself and stirring ethnic hatred. Gachagua denied all the allegations and said the case would fold on no basis.
Making Sense of The Numbers
281 Members of Parliament voted for motion 281 while 41 opposed the motion. One abstained.
Out of the 349-member house, a two-thirds majority was required for successful impeachment. At least 233 MPs were required to impeach the DP.
This is the first time a Deputy President has been removed from office since the promulgation of the new constitution.
What Next For Gachagua?
Gachagua’s fate now lies with the Senate which is considered the trial house. The Senate will debate the charges and vote on whether to dismiss him next week.
Kenya’s high court ruled on Friday that a case challenging Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment should be referred to the Chief Justice.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi called on the chief justice to create a panel of three judges to examine Gachagua’s petition, citing high public interest in the case.
Gachagua’s Woes
The deputy president’s rift with President William Ruto, whom he backed in a 2022 election, spilled into the open after deadly protests this year against proposed tax increases and the cost of living.
Gachagua outraged many in Ruto’s coalition for likening the government to a company and suggesting that those who voted for the coalition had first claim on public-sector jobs and development projects.
Kenyan’s Reactions
Ruto has not commented publicly on the impeachment proceedings.
Kenyans are divided on the issue with some saying that parliament should focus on the economy instead of road-show politics.
Many others calling for both Ruto and his deputy to quit, calling them “dereva & makanga” in the latest online trolls.
60% of Kenyans do not know who to replace Rigathi Gachagua with should the impeachment sail through.
According to Infotrak, 20% of Kenyans prefer Interior CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki to replace DP Gachagua.
Of the 1,000 respondents interviewed, 5% supported Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi to replace the DP.
Senate Impeachment Program Set
The Senate Clerk has already come up with a program for DP Gachagua Thursday’s impeachment proceedings. ,
On October 17th, the embattled deputy will have 4 hours, from 9 AM, to move against the motion.
In another session in the afternoon, he will be put for cross-examination by the bigger house.
During this period, he’ll be given a chance to call witnesses to the stand. Credible sources have revealed that there are several witnesses in waiting.
After his presentation and cross-examination, his team will give their last submissions for an hour.
The National Assembly team will also have a similar period to give their closing remarks. The voting session is expected to kick off at around 7:30 pm.
