Kenya’s parliament has entered the final stage of efforts to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office. Last week, the National Assembly voted in favor of his impeachment, leading to a two-day Senate trial that will decide his fate.
Political analysts predict the Senate will uphold the impeachment, as ruling party senators are expected to receive support from the opposition, mirroring the lower house vote.
The trial began on Wednesday at 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT), with the National Assembly presenting evidence and witnesses against Gachagua for three hours, followed by two hours of cross-examination. Gachagua faces 11 charges, including corruption, incitement of ethnic divisions, and undermining the government—charges he denies.
This development follows a recent fallout between Gachagua and President William Ruto, who has remained silent on the matter. The Senate opted for a full-house trial, abandoning an earlier plan to form an 11-member committee to investigate the charges.
Proceedings commenced with the charges being read and opening statements from both sides. On Thursday, the trial will continue with Gachagua’s defense presenting evidence and witnesses, and the session is expected to conclude by late afternoon. Senators will then debate the motion for about two hours, with a final vote scheduled for 20:30 local time on Thursday. If needed, the Senate can extend the process until Friday, which is the last legal day to decide the matter. To remove Gachagua from office, at least two-thirds of the 67 senators must vote in favor.
If impeached, Gachagua would be barred from holding any future public office. He is expected to challenge the decision in court if it proceeds. So far, Gachagua has filed 26 legal cases attempting to halt the process, but a judge ruled on Tuesday that the court would not intervene, allowing the Senate to perform its constitutional duty. A three-judge bench also rejected a similar request before Wednesday’s trial began.
Among the charges against Gachagua is the allegation that he acquired assets worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings ($40 million; £31 million) within two years of becoming deputy president, allegedly through corrupt means. Gachagua has defended himself, claiming many of the properties in question were inherited from his late brother.
Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the Mount Kenya region, rose quickly from being a first-term Member of Parliament to becoming Kenya’s deputy president. He was chosen as William Ruto’s running mate in the August 2022 election, despite facing corruption allegations at the time—charges that were dropped after he took office.
The impeachment trial has captured public and media attention across Kenya. However, for many, the political drama is seen as a distraction from urgent economic challenges, particularly the rising cost of living. In June, protests erupted over unpopular tax hikes, highlighting a growing rift between President Ruto and Gachagua.
Gachagua has also been accused of undermining Kenya’s security agencies, following his controversial remarks blaming the intelligence service during the June protests.