Kenya’s Senate launches impeachment hearings against deputy president
Al JazeeraOCT 12 2024
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, bars a replacement from assuming the office until Oct. 24, just as the National Assembly approved the nomination of Kithure Kindiki, 236 to 0.These orders, as well as others from Justice Richard Mururu of the High Court in Kerugoya, bars a 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.
This comes asThis comes as Gachagua challenged his removal from office on grounds that charges against him were false and that evidence was insufficient, and two other petitioners filed a suit questioning the legality of the procedure.
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 supporter, so this series of events was to be expected.
It's unlikely that removing a scapegoat such as Gachagua from office would lead to any major development for governance in Kenya — and all this impeachment mess is distracting the country from real issues affecting Kenyans everyday. Rather than wasting time and energy on this matter, authorities should focus on addressing these concerns.