Kenya’s Senate launches impeachment hearings against deputy president
Al JazeeraOct 17
Kenya High Court Suspends Deputy President's Impeachment
Above: Deputy President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua, addresses the media during a press conference at his official residence in Nairobi, on Oct. 7, 2024. Image copyright: Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Justice Chacha Mwita of the High Court in Nairobi issued conservatory orders on Friday to suspend the Senate's decision to impeach Rigathi Gachagua as Kenya's deputy president, pending a constitutional review.
These orders, as well as others from Justice Richard Mururu of the High Court in Kerugoya, bar any replacement from assuming the office until Oct. 24, just as the National Assembly approved the nomination of Kithure Kindiki — 236 to 0 — with vocal allies of Gachagua absent.
The Spin
Narrative A
Apart from being the first time this process has been used in Kenya, the impeachment of Gachagua is constitutional — and a popular move. Presidents have historically fired their deputies once their partners become more of a liability or threat than a 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 — and all of the impeachment drama is distracting the country from real issues affecting Kenyans. Rather than wasting time and energy, authorities should focus on addressing more pressing concerns.