Kenya's Senate begins the impeachment trial of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Accusations include corruption and ethnic incitement. The trial's outcome, following evidence review and debate, could seal Gachagua's political fate if two-thirds of the Senate vote for removal.
Kenya's Deputy President Faces Pivotal Senate Impeachment Trial
Kenya's Deputy President Faces Pivotal Senate Impeachment Trial
The Senate has commenced the impeachment trial of Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who faces charges of corruption and ethnic incitement.
In a significant political development, Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is undergoing an impeachment trial in the nation's Senate. Following a decisive vote by an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly, the Senate procedure becomes the final step to determine Gachagua's political future. He faces 11 serious charges ranging from corruption to inciting ethnic tensions, all of which he has denied. These proceedings arise after a public fallout with President William Ruto, who has remained conspicuously silent.
The trial was initially anticipated to feature an investigative committee but will now proceed with direct Senate oversight. Proceedings started on Wednesday, where the National Assembly's evidence against Gachagua, including witness testimonies, began to be revealed. Cross-examinations and the defense's response are scheduled to lead into a decisive vote late Thursday or possibly Friday, should the Senate require an extension. A two-thirds majority is necessary to pass the motion to remove Gachagua.
Gachagua, who swiftly rose from a first-term MP to the deputy presidency, notably amassed significant wealth, alleged to be acquired through corrupt practices in a short tenure. Despite numerous legal attempts to halt these impeachment proceedings, the courts have thus far allowed the Senate trial. The case has not only captivated the Kenyan populace but has also highlighted the nation's socio-economic issues overshadowed by political drama. If the impeachment is upheld, Gachagua plans to challenge it legally, but faces a future ban on public office should the Senate decide against him.
The trial was initially anticipated to feature an investigative committee but will now proceed with direct Senate oversight. Proceedings started on Wednesday, where the National Assembly's evidence against Gachagua, including witness testimonies, began to be revealed. Cross-examinations and the defense's response are scheduled to lead into a decisive vote late Thursday or possibly Friday, should the Senate require an extension. A two-thirds majority is necessary to pass the motion to remove Gachagua.
Gachagua, who swiftly rose from a first-term MP to the deputy presidency, notably amassed significant wealth, alleged to be acquired through corrupt practices in a short tenure. Despite numerous legal attempts to halt these impeachment proceedings, the courts have thus far allowed the Senate trial. The case has not only captivated the Kenyan populace but has also highlighted the nation's socio-economic issues overshadowed by political drama. If the impeachment is upheld, Gachagua plans to challenge it legally, but faces a future ban on public office should the Senate decide against him.
