Kenya's Deputy President Gachagua Becomes First to Be Impeached by Senate

Oct 17, 2024, 12:41 PM

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of Kenya was impeached by the Senate on October 17, 2024, after a two-day trial in which he faced 11 charges, including corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, supporting anti-government protests, and undermining the government. The impeachment proceedings began after a three-judge High Court bench dismissed Gachagua's application to stop the process, citing public interest and declaring the proceedings constitutional. Gachagua pleaded not guilty to all charges but was absent on the second day due to illness. His legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, requested an adjournment, but the Senate, presided over by Speaker Amason Kingi, rejected the motion and proceeded with the trial. In protest, Gachagua's lawyers withdrew from the proceedings. The Senate voted to impeach Gachagua, with 53 senators supporting the first count of gross violation of the Constitution, confirming his removal from office. Gachagua became the first Kenyan Deputy President to be impeached.