The Senate voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, ending his two-year tenure in a historic decision. This move clears the way for President William Ruto to nominate a new deputy. Gachagua faced accusations of corruption, ethnic discrimination, and insubordination toward President Ruto, along with involvement in a scandal linked to a mosquito net tender.
Allies of both Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga united in the vote, marking the first successful impeachment of a Deputy President in Kenya. Gachagua’s lawyers argued for more time to allow him to defend himself, citing illness, but the Senate denied the request, leading his legal team to withdraw in protest.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) linked Gachagua to irregularities in a Sh3.7 billion tender, further damaging his defense. Unless overturned by the courts, this impeachment prevents Gachagua from holding future public office, effectively halting his political career.
