Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has been removed from office after the Senate voted to uphold his impeachment, despite his absence from the trial due to reported health issues.
Gachagua, who is popularly known as Riggy G, was admitted to The Karen Hospital with chest pains, according to his legal team. His lawyer requested a postponement of the trial, but senators proceeded with the session, leading to the defense team walking out in protest.
“This impeachment is nothing but a political lynching,” Gachagua said earlier, insisting the charges were baseless. However, the Senate upheld five charges, including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office, while clearing him of six others, such as corruption.
Gachagua’s ousting follows months of political friction with President William Ruto, with tensions peaking in June after Gachagua criticized the head of Kenya’s intelligence agency. His impeachment marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, solidifying Ruto’s control and ending Gachagua’s political career.
With Gachagua’s removal, speculation is mounting over his potential successor, with Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki among those tipped for the role.
Gachagua has vowed to challenge the decision, but his impeachment carries immediate consequences, including a lifetime ban from holding public office and the loss of his retirement benefits.
