Kenya Senate begins trial to impeach deputy president Gachagua
- The Senate is debating the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following a National Assembly vote on multiple charges.
- Gachagua has denied the allegations, asserting they are based on falsehoods and politically motivated.
- The outcome of the Senate trial could lead to Gachagua's removal, marking a historic event in Kenya's political landscape.
In Kenya, the Senate is currently debating the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following a court ruling that deemed the impeachment proceedings constitutional. The National Assembly had previously voted to impeach him on 11 charges, including corruption and undermining the government. Gachagua has denied these allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. The Senate trial is significant as it could lead to Gachagua becoming the first deputy president in Kenya to be impeached since the 2010 constitution was enacted. The trial process involves presenting evidence and witness testimonies, with a vote expected to take place soon. A two-thirds majority in the Senate is required for his removal, and if successful, Gachagua would be barred from holding public office in the future. This political drama unfolds against a backdrop of economic challenges in Kenya, where public discontent has been rising due to high living costs and recent tax hikes, leading to protests. The relationship between Gachagua and President William Ruto has also soured, contributing to the current political turmoil.