Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by the Senate on October 17, 2024, following the National Assembly’s overwhelming vote for his removal. He was found guilty on charges related to threatening judges and divisive politics during a tumultuous trial marked by his hospitalization for chest pain. Gachagua’s impeachment represents a significant political shift in Kenya, with President William Ruto needing to appoint a new deputy within 14 days amidst growing public discontent.
In a significant political event, Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached on October 17, 2024, marking a historic first under the country’s revised 2010 constitution. The Senate voted to remove Gachagua from office after he was found guilty on five out of eleven charges, which included threats against judges and engaging in politically divisive conduct. His impeachment follows a series of tumultuous events, beginning with a prior vote from the National Assembly that overwhelmingly approved the motion against him. Gachagua, who is notably referred to as “Riggy G,” was unable to attend his defense during the Senate trial due to hospitalization for chest pain. He previously denied all allegations against him, labeling them as “nonsensical” and indicative of betrayal and political deceit. Despite his ousting, no criminal charges have formally been pursued against him yet. The political landscape in Kenya has been destabilized by these events, creating uncertainty within the government as President William Ruto is expected to nominate a new deputy within the next fourteen days. Candidates for the position include prominent figures such as Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi. Gachagua’s removal highlights the deepening political rifts within the ruling party amid ongoing public dissent over tax increases and governance issues.
The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua represents a pivotal moment in Kenyan politics, as he is the first deputy to be removed from office through an impeachment process since the introduction of this method in the revised 2010 constitution. Gachagua’s impeachment was largely fueled by a falling out with President William Ruto, with whom he shared a close political alliance during the 2022 elections predominantly due to support from the Mount Kenya region. This episode examines the underlying tensions within Kenya’s political framework, particularly given rising public dissatisfaction linked to tax policies and other governance concerns that have sparked protests throughout the nation.
The impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua marks a watershed moment in Kenya’s political history, shedding light on the vulnerabilities within the political structure and the intricate power dynamics at play. As Kenya navigates through this crisis, the appointment of a new deputy president remains critical to restoring stability. Gachagua’s case reflects broader political unrest prevalent in the country, necessitating a closer examination of governance practices and public accountability in Kenya. The outcome of this saga may set a precedent for future political conduct and interactions within the Kenyan government.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
