Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by the Senate on Thursday evening, October 17, making him the first in Kenya’s history to be removed from office through impeachment.

The impeachment process began after the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly on October 9 to impeach Gachagua on 11 charges, including corruption, abuse of office, and undermining the government. Out of 349 members of parliament, 282 supported the motion, well above the two-thirds majority required.

Gachagua has faced multiple accusations, including supporting youth-led protests against unpopular tax hikes and engaging in ethnically divisive politics. He has also alleged being sidelined by President William Ruto, with whom he ran as a key ally in the 2022 general elections.

Despite denying the accusations and losing court bids to stop the process, Gachagua will no longer serve as Deputy President.

More details to follow…