NAIROBI, Kenya (KAAB TV) – Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been impeached by the country’s National Assembly, making him the first in the country’s history to face such an action.
The motion to impeach Gachagua passed overwhelmingly on Tuesday evening, with 281 MPs voting in favor of the ouster, while only 44 MPs opposed it. One MP abstained from voting.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, announcing the result, explained, “Article 145 (2) of the Constitution requires at least two-thirds of National Assembly members to support a special motion for the removal of the Deputy President. With 281 members voting in favor, this threshold has been met.”
The House will reconvene tomorrow morning, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, to resume regular business, as scheduled by the House Business Committee.
Before the vote, Gachagua had the opportunity to defend himself against the 11 charges leveled against him, which include gross violation of the Constitution, undermining the President, irregular acquisition of wealth, promoting ethnicity, and insubordination.
“I trust the legislators will make the right decision. Look, reflect, and apply your conscience,” Gachagua stated in his defense, adding that he respects the Assembly’s judgment.
The motion will now be sent to the Senate, where Speaker Wetang’ula is required to inform the Senate Speaker of the resolution within two days.
The Senate must convene within seven days to consider the charges.
The Senate may then appoint an 11-member committee to investigate the matter and submit a report within 10 days, determining whether the accusations are substantiated.