Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In a historic move, 281 Kenyan MPs voted on Tuesday, October 8, to impeach Vice President Rigathi Gachagua, who had served in the role since President William Ruto’s election in 2022. With 44 MPs voting against his removal and one abstention, the results triggered scenes of jubilation in Parliament as the impeachment motion succeeded. Gachagua now faces becoming the first deputy president in Kenya’s history to be ousted since the adoption of the 2010 Constitution.
Gachagua’s impeachment came after allegations of corruption, irregularities, and his support for anti-government protests in June 2024. During a televised address and in Parliament, he defended himself, denying the charges and asserting that he had inherited some of the questioned wealth from his late brother. He also defended the high renovation expenses for his official residence, citing its state of disrepair and the need to be “dignified.”
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula asserts that Article 145 (2A) of the Constitution mandates notifying the Senate within two days of a motion passing with a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. Should the Senate also back the motion, Gachagua’s impeachment would be finalized.
The Kenyan Constitution outlines two grounds for the removal of a Deputy President: physical or mental incapacity, or impeachment. The latter can occur under three conditions: gross violation of the Constitution or any law, credible suspicion of criminal activity, or gross misconduct.
Gachagua’s ousting brings to light the deepening rift between him and President William Ruto. Speculation about the fallout between the two leaders had been circulating for months, with the impeachment exposing the full extent of their dissension. The VP’s impeachment comes after unprecedented protests earlier this year, where Kenyans demanded President Ruto’s resignation amid growing discontent.
As the political landscape in Kenya shifts dramatically, all eyes will be on the Senate to see whether they will endorse the impeachment, potentially sealing Gachagua’s fate and reshaping the country’s leadership.
