Kenya’s Parliament has voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on charges of corruption. The House voted 281 to 44, sealing his fate and marking a historic first in Kenya’s political landscape.
Gachagua becomes the first deputy president to be ousted from office, setting the stage for a significant shift in the country’s leadership as the nation braces for the next steps in this political drama.The impeachment motion was spearheaded by opposition leaders, citing multiple allegations of graft and abuse of office involving large sums of public funds.
The debate in Parliament was heated, with accusations flying across the political divide as government and opposition members clashed over Gachagua’s legacy and his impact on the administration.
Gachagua, a close ally of President William Ruto, had been under intense scrutiny following investigations into various corruption scandals tied to government contracts and misuse of state resources. Despite his strong defense, in which he claimed the charges were politically motivated, the overwhelming majority in Parliament voted to remove him from office.
The impeachment will now head to the Senate for final approval, a process that could solidify Gachagua’s exit or provide a last-minute lifeline if the upper house rejects the motion. If the Senate confirms the impeachment, it will trigger a succession crisis, as the constitution outlines that President Ruto must nominate a new deputy within 14 days.
Political analysts are closely watching the next steps, with speculation already mounting over who might replace Gachagua. This dramatic ousting is expected to send ripples through the country’s political scene as opposition parties and reformists call for a deeper investigation into government accountability.
The impeachment also raises questions about the long-term stability of Ruto’s government, as Gachagua was a key political ally who helped consolidate power in the lead-up to the 2022 elections. His removal signals internal fractures within the ruling coalition, and could embolden opposition leaders seeking to capitalize on the turbulence.
As Kenya reels from this political earthquake, citizens and politicians alike are waiting to see how President Ruto will respond to this historic moment, and what it means for the future of governance in the country.