UPDATE - Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua impeached

UPDATES WITH IMPEACHMENT; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Kenya’s Senate on Thursday voted to sack Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office by impeachment.

Gachagua, who pled not guilty to the charges of corruption, abuse of office, and inciting ethnic divisions, became the first sitting deputy president in the country to be removed from office by impeachment.

Today’s vote followed an Oct. 8 vote by the National Assembly, which overwhelmingly supported his removal.

Gachagua has been 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.

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

Notably, Kenyan President William Ruto has remained silent on the proceedings, leaving many to speculate about his stance.