Kenya’s Deputy President Gachagua Pleads Not Guilty As Impeachment Proceedings Begin

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and supporting anti-government protests during a senate hearing on Wednesday, October 16.

The impeachment case against Gachagua, 59, has sparked national attention, with his legal team having until Thursday, October 17, to cross-examine witnesses. A senate vote is expected Thursday evening.

This comes after court rulings earlier this week permitted the impeachment debate to proceed, despite objections from Gachagua’s lawyers who raised concerns over procedural irregularities.

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Gachagua has dismissed the charges as politically motivated. His impeachment motion, introduced by the ruling alliance in parliament, has led to clashes between his supporters and opponents at public forums in early October.

The case underscores growing tensions between Gachagua and President William Ruto, despite Ruto’s previous commitment to avoid such conflicts, following his own troubled experience as deputy to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

If the impeachment proceeds, Gachagua could become Kenya’s first sitting deputy president to be removed from office.