In a historic turn of events, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been impeached following a dramatic vote in the National Assembly.
Over two-thirds of MPs voted in favor of his removal, marking the first time a Kenyan deputy president has been impeached. Under the current constitution, the Deputy President enjoys the security of tenure, and can only be removed from office through impeachment.
A majority vote seals Gachagua’s fate
The impeachment motion, which had been building momentum over several weeks, culminated in a decisive vote in parliament.
Out of 349 members, 281 MPs voted to impeach the Deputy President, surpassing the constitutionally required threshold. Only 44 MPs voted to reject the impeachment motion, and 1 MP abstained. Allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, corruption, and deepening tensions between Gachagua and President William Ruto were at the heart of the accusations.
While proponents of the impeachment celebrated it as a victory for integrity, critics viewed it as a politically motivated ploy by the Kenya Kwanza regime to get rid of the fast-rising Mount Kenya leader.
Despite his impeachment in the National Assembly, Gachagua’s removal is not yet final. According to Kenya’s constitution, the motion now moves to the Senate, where senators will have the final say on whether or not Gachagua will be permanently removed from office.
The Senate will either uphold or overturn the National Assembly’s decision in a trial-like process that will see both sides present their case. All eyes are now on the Senate as the fate of the Deputy President hangs in the balance.
What’s next for Gachagua?
Though Gachagua has been impeached in the National Assembly, he retains his office until the Senate delivers its verdict.
Should the Senate uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will be constitutionally required to vacate the position of Deputy President. However, he is expected to challenge the decision in the courts, a move that could offer a lifeline to Gachagua.
Gachagua’s political future remains uncertain, but his grassroots support in the Mt. Kenya region could fuel a comeback, either through legal challenges or a political restructuring. His defiant stance indicates that he will not exit the political stage quietly, and many anticipate a fierce court battle if the Senate confirms the impeachment.
Likely replacements for Gachagua
If the Senate confirms Gachagua’s impeachment, President William Ruto will be required to nominate a Deputy President within 14 days.
Top contenders for the position include Kithure Kindiki, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, known for his loyalty to Ruto and his legal expertise. Anne Waiguru, Kiringaga Governor, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.
Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, is also a strong candidate, given his extensive political experience, having served as Vice President and Finance Minister during the Moi regime.
Other names being floated include Ndindi Nyoro, a young and vibrant MP from the Mt. Kenya region, and Aden Duale, the Defense Cabinet Secretary and seasoned political figure.
The selection of Gachagua’s replacement will shape the future of the Ruto administration and will likely have a significant impact on the political dynamics leading up to the next general election.
The nation now awaits the Senate’s final ruling, which will decide Gachagua’s fate.