Senate Yampiga Gachagua Kalamu: Hii Ni Kama Sabuni Ya Nairobi, Ukiingia Lazima Uteleze!
Gachagua, who is currently hospitalized at Karen Hospital, was ousted after Senators voted in favor of five out of the 11 charges brought against him. On the first charge, which involved gross violations of Articles 10, 27, 73, 75, and 129 of the Constitution, 54 Senators voted in support, while 13 opposed. The second charge, concerning violations of Articles 147 and 152, received 28 votes in favor and 39 against.
The third charge, accusing Gachagua of undermining devolution under Articles 6, 10, 74, 186, and 189, saw 18 Senators vote in favor while 45 opposed it. The fourth charge, accusing Gachagua of undermining the independence of the Judiciary under Article 160, was supported by 51 Senators while 16 opposed. On the fifth charge, concerning breach of oath under Articles 3 and 148, 49 Senators voted in favor, while 16 opposed, and two abstained.
The sixth charge, alleging Gachagua committed crimes under Sections 13 (1)(a) and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, garnered 48 votes in support, 18 opposed, and one abstention. The seventh charge, relating to violations of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, had only 14 votes in favor, while 52 opposed, and one abstained.
On the eighth charge, accusing Gachagua of committing offenses under Section 132 of the Penal Code and Section 29 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 27 Senators voted in support, while 40 opposed. The ninth charge, accusing Gachagua of gross misconduct in his public attacks on the National Intelligence Service, saw 46 votes in support, 20 against, and one abstention.
The final two charges—insubordination and bullying—were equally contentious. The insubordination charge was supported by 22 Senators, while 45 opposed it. The bullying charge had 18 votes in favor, with 47 opposing and two abstentions.
After the conclusion of voting, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the results, stating:
“Pursuant to Articles 145, 7, and 151(b) of the Constitution, and Standing Orders 78(8) of the Senate, Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, has been removed from office by impeachment. Accordingly, Gachagua ceases to hold office as Deputy President.”
Despite being hospitalized, Gachagua’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, attempted to delay the proceedings, requesting a postponement until next week. However, the Senate rejected the request, prompting Gachagua’s legal team to walk out in protest, stating they could not proceed without their client’s instructions.
The impeachment vote followed a lively debate, with some Senators decrying the lack of opportunity for Gachagua to defend himself. A group of Senators from Central Kenya warned of severe political consequences for removing “their son” from office, with Nyandarua Senator John Methu stating:
“This divorce the President is seeking will be catastrophic and will have casualties. The first casualty may be our vote today, but the casualties of today are not necessarily the casualties of tomorrow.”
With the impeachment vote finalized, the National Assembly is expected to convene on Friday to approve the President’s nominee for the new Deputy President.
“Ulipitwa? Bofya hapa ili usome kwa undani jinsi Seneti ilivyomwangusha Gachagua kama sabuni ya Nairobi, ukiingia lazima uteleze!”
Senate Yampiga Gachagua Kalamu: Hii Ni Kama Sabuni Ya Nairobi, Ukiingia Lazima Uteleze!