Kenya’s Senate is scheduled to vote on Thursday regarding the possible removal of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, an event that could set a precedent in the country’s political history.
As reported by AFP, the vote follows the conclusion of a two-day impeachment trial, marking the first time a deputy president has faced such proceedings under Kenya’s 2010 constitution.
Gachagua, a significant figure in President William Ruto’s administration, is charged with 11 offenses, including corruption, insubordination, and promoting ethnically divisive politics.
Last week, the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of his impeachment, with 282 out of 349 MPs supporting the motion—exceeding the two-thirds majority required.
Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts to halt the trial through legal action, Gachagua, also known as “Riggy G,” is expected to present his defense before the Senate’s final vote.
If the Senate votes by a two-thirds majority to uphold any of the charges, the 59-year-old will be automatically removed from office, becoming the first deputy president in Kenya’s history to be ousted through impeachment.
Gachagua has consistently denied all allegations, describing them as unfounded.
“These are nonsensical allegations,” he stated, criticizing the impeachment as a political betrayal that disregarded the will of Kenyan voters. His legal team has argued that the process has been expedited unfairly, but a High Court ruling on Wednesday allowed the Senate trial to continue.
Tensions within the government have escalated in recent weeks, with Gachagua alleging that President Ruto has sidelined him.
He also faces allegations of supporting youth-led protests against unpopular tax increases, some of which escalated into violence.
While President Ruto has remained silent on the matter, Gachagua suggested that the impeachment had the president’s tacit approval, telling supporters, “This could not have happened without his [Ruto’s] blessing.”
Speculation regarding Gachagua’s potential successors is already circulating in the Kenyan media, with Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Governor Anne Waiguru being considered as likely candidates.
Although Gachagua has called on his supporters to remain calm, he addressed churchgoers in central Kenya, urging for peace regardless of the outcome. “Kenya is our country, let’s maintain peace,” he said on Sunday.
If removed, Gachagua has indicated that he plans to challenge the Senate’s decision in court.
