Senate Upholds Five Charges in the Impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

In a dramatic Senate session held on Thursday night, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was officially removed from office after senators upheld five out of the 11 charges brought against him. This decision marks the first time a sitting Deputy President has been impeached in Kenya’s history.

The Senate Speaker, Amason Kingi, confirmed the decision, stating, “The Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. Accordingly, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua ceases to hold office.”

The charges that led to Gachagua’s impeachment included a range of violations, including undermining the independence of judges, promoting ethnicity, gross misconduct, and crimes under the National Cohesion and Integrity Act. The senators, after two days of heated debate and deliberation, voted on each of the 11 charges.

Here’s how the Senate voted on each of the charges:

1. Gross Violation of Constitutional Articles (General):
   • Yes: 54
   • No: 13
   • Abstentions: 0
2. Violation of Articles 147 (1) and 152 (1) (Executive Branch):
   • Yes: 28
   • No: 39
   • Abstentions: 0
3. Undermining Devolution (Violation of Articles 6, 10, 174):
   • Yes: 19
   • No: 45
   • Abstentions: 3
4. Undermining Independence of Judges (Article 160):
   • Yes: 51
   • No: 16
   • Abstentions: 0
5. Breach of Oaths of Office and Allegiance (Article 148):
   • Yes: 49
   • No: 16
   • Abstentions: 2
6. Crimes Under National Cohesion Act (Ethnic Offenses):
   • Yes: 48
   • No: 18
   • Abstentions: 1
7. Crimes Under Anti-Corruption and Money Laundering Laws:
   • Yes: 13
   • No: 53
   • Abstentions: 1
8. Crimes Under Penal Code and Leadership Act:
   • Yes: 27
   • No: 40
   • Abstentions: 0
9. Gross Misconduct (Public Attacks on National Security):
   • Yes: 46
   • No: 20
   • Abstentions: 1
10. Gross Misconduct (Insubordination):
    • Yes: 22
    • No: 44
    • Abstentions: 0
11. Gross Misconduct (Bullying):
    • Yes: 18
    • No: 4
    • Abstentions: 2

Despite Gachagua’s legal team’s attempt to extend the hearing process, the Senate voted decisively, marking the end of his tenure as Deputy President. His impeachment highlights the Senate’s commitment to holding public officers accountable to the law and upholding constitutional principles.