Kenya’s Senate has begun a second day of hearings leading up to a crucial vote on whether to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office. Gachagua is accused of embezzling public funds, inciting ethnic hatred, and undermining the government—allegations he vehemently denies.
Last week, the National Assembly voted to impeach Gachagua, who played a key role in President William Ruto’s election victory two years ago. His impeachment follows accusations of disloyalty and inflammatory public remarks. President Ruto has remained silent on the matter, while Gachagua has condemned the impeachment as a politically motivated attack based on falsehoods.
The Senate vote, expected Thursday evening, could make Gachagua the first Kenyan deputy president removed from office by impeachment under the 2010 constitution. During the hearings, Gachagua will defend himself against a series of charges presented by Mwengi Mutuse, a lawmaker from Ruto’s coalition, who claims Gachagua incited ethnic tensions and amassed properties worth over $40 million since assuming office, despite a declared net worth of $6 million prior to his role.
Gachagua’s legal team refuted the allegations, dismissing them as speculative and lacking in evidence. Courts have allowed the proceedings to continue but may review their legality once the process concludes.
This political shake-up follows recent mass protests that forced President Ruto to withdraw proposed tax hikes and reshuffle his cabinet, a move that is seen as having diminished Gachagua’s influence.