Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has missed his scheduled appearance in the Senate for his impeachment trial due to illness, according to his legal representative. Initially present in the chamber earlier in the day, Gachagua was set to defend himself starting at 14:30 local time (11:30 GMT) as senators prepared to vote on his potential removal from office.
His lawyer, Paul Muite, revealed that Gachagua has been hospitalized, prompting a suspension of the proceedings until 17:00. Speaker of Parliament Amason Kingi expressed the expectation that Gachagua would take the witness stand at that time, emphasizing the urgency of the time-sensitive impeachment process, which is not permitted to extend beyond Friday.
The rules of the trial allow it to proceed without Gachagua’s participation unless exceptional circumstances arise, which may lead to a postponed appearance. A successful impeachment requires a two-thirds majority vote from the 67-member Senate.
Gachagua faces 11 serious charges, including corruption, incitement of ethnic divisions, and undermining the government. Upon the opening of his trial, he pleaded not guilty to all allegations presented against him.
In a preceding vote, a significant majority of the National Assembly approved his impeachment, paving the way for this Senate trial. His political relationship with President William Ruto has deteriorated over the past two years since their campaign partnership, especially following a public spat in June concerning the government’s handling of protests against unpopular tax increases.
Witness MWengi Mutuse, who initiated the impeachment motion, cited Gachagua’s alleged constitutional violations and described his actions as warranting serious repercussions. Examples include remarks attributed to Gachagua suggesting a divisive approach to governmental benefits based on electoral support, and accusations of significant wealth accumulation through corrupt practices.
During the trial, Gachagua’s defense team dismissed the allegations as false or ludicrous. Former Kenya Medical Supplies Agency CEO Andrew Mulwa testified about receiving intimidation from Gachagua regarding documents for a cancelled tender, an assertion that Gachagua has labeled as baseless.
The scheduled continuation of the trial was to allow Gachagua to present his defense throughout the day. Senators are anticipated to debate the motion and then cast their votes, with many believing the ruling coalition, backed by opposition members, will support the motion.
As discussions around Gachagua’s impeachment intensify, potential successors from central Kenya, including governors and ministers, have been named in various media reports. Should the impeachment pass, Gachagua is expected to challenge the ruling.
