In a shocking turn of events, Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been removed from office after a tumultuous impeachment trial.
The Senate voted to uphold five charges against Gachagua, including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office.
Gachagua’s downfall began months ago when he fell out with President William Ruto.
The two were elected on a joint ticket in 2022, but their relationship deteriorated over time.
The final blow came when Gachagua blamed the head of the intelligence agency for not properly briefing Ruto on mass protests against unpopular tax hikes.
Ruto had just been forced to withdraw the taxes, and Gachagua’s comments were seen as undermining the president.
Last week, an overwhelming majority of MPs in the National Assembly voted to impeach Gachagua, paving the way for his two-day trial in the Senate.
Despite his lawyer’s requests for a postponement due to health reasons, the Senate chose to continue the trial without Gachagua. The defense team walked out of the chamber in protest.
President Ruto has already nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki to replace Gachagua. Kindiki, a strong ally of Ruto, served as his lawyer during his trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court.
Gachagua’s removal from office marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
The 59-year-old deputy president was once a key ally of Ruto but is now barred from holding public office again.
Background
Ruto and Gachagua’s partnership helped Ruto win the presidency in 2022.
However, their relationship began to fray when Gachagua spoke out against Ruto’s handling of tax hikes.
Gachagua’s comments sparked outrage from Ruto’s allies, who saw them as a betrayal.
The rift between the two leaders grew wider, ultimately leading to Gachagua’s impeachment.
Kenya’s political history is marked by tumultuous relationships between leaders. Ruto himself fell out with his former boss, Uhuru Kenyatta, who refused to back him for president in 2022.
The country’s politics are often defined by ethnic divisions and power struggles. Gachagua’s ousting is the latest chapter in Kenya’s complex political saga.
Source:dailyguidenetwork.com