Kenya’s Senate is set to debate next week on whether to dismiss Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following a move by the National Assembly to impeach him.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed on Wednesday that the Senate would investigate the allegations against Gachagua over two days, starting Wednesday next week.
The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Gachagua, with 281 lawmakers in favor and 44 against, surpassing the two-thirds majority needed. If two-thirds of the Senate also back the impeachment, Gachagua will be removed from office.
Gachagua faces 11 charges, including accusations of self-enrichment and inciting ethnic division, which he has denied. He described the impeachment as “a theatre of the absurd.” His political fallout with President William Ruto, whom he supported during the 2022 election, became public after protests erupted earlier this year over proposed tax hikes and rising living costs.
President Ruto has remained silent on the impeachment. However, Gachagua’s controversial remarks, likening the government to a company and suggesting preferential treatment for those who voted for the coalition, angered many within Ruto’s camp.
The move to impeach Gachagua has split public opinion. Some argue that the government should focus on resolving economic issues, while others believe both Gachagua and Ruto should step down. “They should both be removed… They came as a package, so they should leave as a package,” said Melissa Kagondu, a beauty products vendor.
