A Kenyan court has ruled that impeachment proceedings against Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua are constitutional, allowing the Senate to move forward with hearings and a vote on his dismissal this week.
The National Assembly voted last week to impeach Gachagua on 11 charges, including corruption, undermining the government, and inciting ethnic hatred. Gachagua, who denies all charges, has described the impeachment motion as a politically motivated attack, backed by opposition lawmakers and President William Ruto’s allies.
Despite Gachagua’s appeal to the high court, Judge Erick Ogolla ruled that the process could proceed, stating that it is a lawful, constitutional procedure and that the Senate trial will address all the issues raised.
Gachagua was a key figure in Ruto’s 2022 election victory, securing crucial votes from central Kenya, but their relationship has since deteriorated, with political alliances shifting. The Senate is set to hold hearings on Wednesday, followed by a vote on Thursday, with a two-thirds majority required to remove the deputy president from office.
