Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, faces a critical moment as the Senate begins hearing an impeachment motion against him. The trial follows a vote in the National Assembly, where 282 MPs supported the motion accusing him of gross violations of the Constitution, while only 44 opposed.

Gachagua, through his legal team, attempted to block the Senate from hearing the impeachment, but a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Martha Koome refused to halt the proceedings. The court, however, left the door open for Gachagua to seek judicial review after the Senate’s ruling.

Key Highlights:

• Gachagua was impeached by the National Assembly, with 282 MPs supporting the motion.
• A three-judge bench refused to halt the Senate hearing, but Gachagua could challenge the Senate’s decision later.
• The Senate begins its proceedings, marking a significant moment in Gachagua’s political career.

Senate Commences Impeachment Hearings

The Senate officially kicked off the impeachment proceedings after the House reached the required quorum on October 16, 2024. Senators convened to hear the evidence and testimonies, as well as to determine whether to uphold the National Assembly’s impeachment decision.

The Senate trial has attracted significant attention, as many expect major developments that could shape the country’s political landscape. Gachagua’s legal team, led by Elisha Ongoya, raised concerns about delays in the presentation of video evidence and challenged the admissibility of new evidence submitted by the National Assembly.

Testimonies and Cross-Examinations

Kibwezi MP Mwengi Mutuse, who moved the impeachment motion, was the first to testify against Gachagua. Mutuse accused Gachagua of making divisive statements, such as referring to Kenya as a “company for shareholders,” which, he argued, threatens national unity. Several videos were played in the Senate showing the Deputy President’s controversial remarks, including his opposition to the relocation of Marikiti market traders by the Nairobi County government.

Speaker dismisses objections

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi dismissed multiple objections raised by Gachagua’s legal team. The first objection challenged the new evidence introduced by the National Assembly, which Gachagua’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, claimed was an ambush. Kingi ruled that the Senate’s rules allow for the submission of additional evidence, thus rejecting the objection.

In another ruling, Kingi dismissed a petition by Gachagua’s legal team to prevent Siaya Governor and Senior Counsel James Orengo from representing the National Assembly in the hearings. The objection claimed Orengo’s involvement could prejudice the case, but Kingi found no valid reason to exclude the prominent lawyer.

Gachagua Pleads Not Guilty

During the hearing, Gachagua pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges brought against him, which include gross violation of the Constitution, economic crimes, and gross misconduct. When the Clerk of the Senate read out the charges, Gachagua declined to sit, choosing to remain standing throughout.

Protests and public reaction

As the trial unfolded, residents in Gachagua’s home county of Kirinyaga staged protests in Kagio town, urging senators, particularly those from the Mt. Kenya region, to vote against the impeachment. The residents expressed their loyalty to the Deputy President and argued that the impeachment was politically motivated.

Background: Gachagua’s Political Journey

Rigathi Gachagua, who has held the position of Deputy President since 2022, has been a controversial figure in Kenyan politics. His rise to the second-highest office in the land came after years of serving as a close ally to President William Ruto. However, Gachagua’s hardline stance on certain national issues and his public remarks have attracted both criticism and support.

The ongoing impeachment trial comes at a time when Kenya’s political landscape is tense, and the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the current administration. As the Senate debates Gachagua’s fate, the nation watches closely, awaiting a decision that will either secure his position or end his tenure as Deputy President.

READ ALSO: THE ADVOCATE WHO GRILLED THE MOTION AGAINST GACHAGUA- WHO IS ELISHA ONGOYA?