Kenya Senate dey set to vote on Thursday whether dem go remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, after the second day of his impeachment trial. Gachagua dey present his defense before the lawmakers for the upper chamber of Parliament, where dem need two-thirds majority to dismiss am.
Gachagua dey face eleven allegations, including corruption, inciting ethnic discord, and undermining governmental authority. Last week, majority of Members of Parliament for the National Assembly vote in favor of his impeachment, paving the way for the Senate’s deliberations. Mwengi Mutuse, the legislator who initiate the motion, testify in the Senate on Wednesday, accusing Gachagua of breaching the constitution and outlining the various bases for his motion.
During cross-examination, Mutuse face scrutiny and at times struggle to substantiate his evidence. A video of President William Ruto speaking at a rally was shown in the Senate, where he refer to the residents of Murang’a as ‘major shareholders’ in the government. Gachagua’s legal team question Mutuse on how the deputy president could be criticized for “aiding” the president. Mutuse was also pressed to clarify the assessment of the wealth alleged to have been acquired by Gachagua, who is accused of obtaining assets valued at 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $40 million) within two years of taking office, purportedly through corrupt means.
Gachagua contend that most of the questioned properties originated from his late brother’s estate. His attorney, Elisha Ongoya, assert that all allegations against Gachagua are either false, absurd, or humiliating. The trial extend throughout the day and conclude just before midnight, with an additional witness called to testify. The trial set to resume on Thursday morning, with Gachagua being the sole witness from his defense team, as he is expected to continue his testimony for the majority of the day.
In the evening, senators will engage in a two-hour debate on the motion before proceeding to a vote. Gachagua, a prosperous businessman from the politically influential Mount Kenya region, ascend from a first-time Member of Parliament to the second-highest position in Kenya’s leadership within five years, following Ruto’s selection of him as a running mate in the August 2022 elections. His impeachment trial, which arise after a recent fallout with the president, has captured the attention of the Kenyan public and media in recent weeks.
The rift occur in June, coinciding with widespread protests by dissatisfied citizens opposing unpopular tax increases. Many analysts predict that if opposition members align with ruling coalition, Gachagua’s impeachment is likely to succeed. Should the motion pass, Gachagua is anticipated to contest the outcome. Speculation in Kenyan media has already begun regarding potential successors, with names of two current governors and two ministers surfacing in discussions.
