Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by the Senate on Thursday, marking the first time a sitting deputy president in the country has been removed from office. Gachagua faced allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and inciting ethnic divisions, which he has consistently denied.
Key Details of the Impeachment:
- Accusations of Corruption:
Gachagua was accused of accumulating 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings ($40 million) through illicit activities over two years, despite an official annual salary of $93,000. His wealth had reportedly grown rapidly, raising suspicions of money laundering and other unlawful practices. His lawyer, Elisha Ongoya, denied these claims, arguing there was no evidence of wrongdoing. - Impeachment Process:
- The impeachment process began with a vote in the National Assembly on October 8, which overwhelmingly supported his removal.
- The Senate vote on Thursday confirmed his impeachment, leading to his immediate dismissal from office.
- Consequences:
With the Senate’s decision:- Gachagua loses his position as deputy president.
- He is barred from holding public office in the future.
- He forfeits retirement benefits associated with his role.
- Political Implications:
- Kenyan President William Ruto has remained notably silent during the impeachment proceedings, leaving room for speculation about his position on the matter.
- The impeachment highlights growing concerns about corruption and accountability within the Kenyan government.
This historic impeachment underscores Kenya’s ongoing challenges with corruption and the scrutiny faced by public officials in positions of power.
