Kenya’s Senate launches impeachment hearings against deputy president
Al JazeeraOCT 2024
Kenya: Deputy President's Impeachment Trial Begins
Above: Rigathi Gachagua addresses the media during a press conference at his official residence in Nairobi on Oct. 7, 2024. Image copyright: Luis Tato/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Apart from being the first time this process has been used in Kenya, the looming impeachment of Gachagua is no shock for the nation, with most Kenyans supporting the proceedings. Presidents have historically fired their deputies once their partners become more of a liability or threat than supporter, so this series of events was to be expected.
Narrative B
It's unlikely that removing a scapegoat such as Gachagua from office would lead to any major development for governance in Kenya — all this impeachment mess is just a temporary distraction from real issues affecting Kenyans everyday. Rather than wasting time and energy on this matter, authorities should focus on addressing real concerns.