Kenyan senators have voted to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, despite his absence from his impeachment trial after his lawyer reported that he had been hospitalized.
In one of the most dramatic days in Kenya’s political history, Gachagua, widely known as “Riggy G,” was expected to appear in the Senate after lunch to defend himself, following his plea of not guilty to 11 charges the previous day. However, he did not attend, with his lawyer requesting a postponement, citing his client’s chest pains and treatment at The Karen Hospital.
Despite the defense’s request for a delay, senators proceeded with the trial in Gachagua’s absence, prompting his legal team to walk out. The refusal to grant a postponement, which could have legally extended the trial until Saturday, demonstrated the senators’ determination to remove Gachagua, who had been at odds with President William Ruto for several months.
Last week, an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly voted to impeach Gachagua, setting the stage for his two-day trial in the Senate.
Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the Mount Kenya region, had earlier described the impeachment as a “political lynching.” He was present in the Senate in the morning but did not return for the afternoon session.
On Thursday evening, two-thirds of the Senate’s 67 members upheld five charges against Gachagua, including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office, which led to his removal. He was acquitted of six other charges, including corruption and money laundering.
This impeachment marks the end of months of internal conflict at the highest levels of government and solidifies President Ruto’s control. The rift between the two came to a head in June when Gachagua publicly criticized the head of the intelligence agency, accusing him of failing to properly inform Ruto and the government about the scale of protests against unpopular tax hikes. Ruto, having just withdrawn the taxes in a significant blow to his authority, reshuffled his cabinet and brought in opposition members.
While Ruto has remained silent on his deputy’s impeachment, Kenyan media have already begun speculating about possible replacements for Gachagua, with four names circulating.
Before the vote, Gachagua had vowed to challenge the decision if passed. A doctor quoted by Reuters confirmed that the 59-year-old had been hospitalized with heart issues but was stable and undergoing tests.