Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political career now hangs in the balance after the National Assembly on October 8, 2024 voted to impeach him.
With 281 members supporting the motion and only 44 opposing it, the impeachment has now moved to the next phase, setting the stage for a series of critical events that will shape Gachagua’s future.
Here are five things that will happen following this historic vote.
1. The Senate Will Hold an Impeachment Trial
Now that the National Assembly has voted in favor of Gachagua’s impeachment, the process shifts to the Senate.
Within seven days, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi will convene a session to review the charges brought against Gachagua.
The Senate acts as a quasi-judicial body, where members will debate whether the grounds for impeachment—ranging from ethnic discrimination to corruption and abuse of office—are valid.
Gachagua will have the opportunity to present his defense during the trial, either personally or through his legal team.
2. Gachagua’s Political Fate Will Be Decided by the Senate
The Senate’s final vote will determine whether Gachagua stays or goes.
Unlike the National Assembly, where a simple majority is needed to pass an impeachment motion, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority to remove the Deputy President from office.
If the Senate votes in favor of impeachment, Gachagua will be immediately removed from his position, and his political career would take a significant hit, as this would permanently bar him from holding public office under Kenyan law.
3. Political Alignments Will Intensify
The impeachment has already sparked heated political divisions, but these tensions will only increase as the Senate trial approaches.
Key political players will be forced to choose sides, and alliances within the government and opposition are expected to shift.
President William Ruto’s camp may face internal tensions as some of his allies may feel pressure to support or oppose the impeachment, potentially leading to a realignment within the ruling coalition.
Meanwhile, opposition parties could seize this opportunity to consolidate power ahead of future elections.
4. Gachagua’s Legal Team Will Ramp Up Its Defense
Gachagua’s legal team has already indicated that they have prepared a “solid and concrete response” to the 11 charges leveled against him.
As the impeachment trial moves to the Senate, his defense will intensify, with a focus on clearing his name and disproving the accusations brought by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.
The team is expected to use electronic evidence, such as videos and other materials, to bolster their defense, which will likely become a focal point in the Senate hearings.
5. The Role of Public Opinion Will Be Crucial
Public opinion played a significant role in the National Assembly’s overwhelming vote to impeach Gachagua, and it will continue to shape the Senate’s approach.
Kenyans have closely followed this case, with many expressing either outrage over the accusations or skepticism about the political motivations behind the impeachment.
Protests, social media campaigns, and rallies could intensify as the trial unfolds.
The outcome may also influence the public’s perception of key political figures, including President Ruto, as Gachagua’s fate could be seen as a reflection of the government’s stability and commitment to accountability.
As Gachagua awaits his trial in the Senate, the political landscape in Kenya will remain volatile. His impeachment process is not just about one individual but may have far-reaching consequences for the country’s governance and political future.
Related: Wetang’ula Condemns Gachagua Over TV Interview Ahead Of Impeachment Motion
