Kenya’s Senate is about to vote on whether to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office after two days of his trial. Gachagua is defending himself on Thursday and needs a two-thirds majority from senators to avoid impeachment. He faces 11 charges, including corruption and causing ethnic tensions.
The trial started on Wednesday, and Gachagua pleaded not guilty to all charges. Last week, a majority in the National Assembly voted to impeach him, which led to this Senate trial.
Gachagua’s relationship with President William Ruto has worsened just two years after they were elected together. The conflict escalated in June when Gachagua criticized the head of the intelligence agency for not updating Ruto about major protests against unpopular tax increases. This caused Ruto to cancel the taxes and change his cabinet by bringing in opposition members.
Lawmaker Mwengi Mutuse, who initiated the impeachment, testified that Gachagua broke the law. He described Gachagua’s actions as serious misconduct and noted his comments suggesting the government is like a company, implying only supporters would get benefits.
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Mutuse also accused Gachagua of becoming rich through corruption, claiming he gained assets worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings (about $40 million) in two years. Gachagua said that most of these properties belonged to his late brother.
During questioning, Gachagua’s lawyers challenged Mutuse’s claims, arguing that Gachagua should not be blamed for supporting Ruto. A video was shown where Ruto called Murang’a residents “major shareholders” in the government.
Gachagua’s lawyer, Elisha Ongoya, said the accusations against him were “false and ridiculous.” The trial went on late into the night and continued Thursday, with Gachagua as the only witness for his side.
After the trial, senators will discuss the impeachment for about two hours before voting. Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the Mount Kenya region, quickly rose in politics after being elected as Ruto’s running mate in August 2022.
The impeachment trial has gained a lot of attention in Kenya, with people speculating about who might replace Gachagua if he is removed. Many think the impeachment could succeed if opposition members support the ruling coalition, similar to their support in the National Assembly. If impeached, Gachagua is expected to fight the decision.
