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NAIROBI — The future of Kenya’s deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, hangs in the balance after Kenya’s Senate confirmed on Wednesday that it will investigate an impeachment trial against him.
It followed a vote on Tuesday evening in the National Assembly to impeach him.
Gachagua, 59, was put in the dock to defend himself against 11 charges including allegations of gross violation of the constitution, undermining President William Ruto, irregular acquisition of wealth, attacking a judge publicly, and stirring ethnic tensions. He has previously rejected allegations against him, which he labeled political propaganda.
In a recent interview, Gachagua said that if the motion was tabled it meant the move was sanctioned by the president. He also complained of being blocked from accessing the president’s diary, which he said made it impossible to align his schedule with Ruto’s.
In the event that the motion passes through the Senate and is upheld by the court, the vacancy will be filled within 14 days, under Kenya’s constitution.
Gachagua has already vowed to “fight to the end,” including in the Supreme Court if need be.
