Kenya's Senate begins impeachment process of deputy president

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenya's deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faces a crucial day as the Senate started impeachment deliberations on Thursday.

Lawmakers are expected to make lengthy speeches before the final vote on whether to remove him from office.

Gachagua, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption, abuse of office, and inciting ethnic divisions, is set to testify in his defense on the second day of the hearing.

The process follows an Oct. 8 vote by the National Assembly, which overwhelmingly supported his removal. For the impeachment motion to succeed, the Senate, acting as a quasi-judicial body, requires at least 45 of its 67 members to vote in favor.

Proceedings are expected to be contentious, with the deputy president's legal team given five hours to present their case and call witnesses.

Senators are anticipated to deliver long speeches as they debate the accusations and weigh the evidence presented.

Though Thursday is expected to mark the final day of the trial, the Senate has passed a resolution allowing for the session to extend until Friday if needed.

Gachagua is accused of amassing about 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings ($40 million) in illicit deals during his two years in office, despite his official annual salary being $93,000.

When he took up the role in September 2022, following the August general elections, his net worth was reported at $6 million.

Lawmakers argue that this rapid increase in wealth suggests unlawful practices, including money laundering, claims that his lawyer Elisha Ongoya has denied.

Should the Senate vote to impeach him, Gachagua will immediately lose his position, future eligibility for public office, and retirement benefits.

If the motion fails, he has the right to challenge the decision in court. Kenya's legal framework permits judicial review of impeachment processes, with courts assessing whether constitutional requirements and procedural fairness were upheld.

Notably, President William Ruto has remained silent on the proceedings, leaving many to speculate about his stance as the Senate weighs Gachagua's fate.