Snapshot 5:Fri, Oct 18, 2024 7:40:58 PM GMT last edited by JoseMoura

Kenya High Court Suspends Deputy President's Impeachment

Published OCT 18 2024

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Above: Embattled deputy president of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua, gestures as he addresses the media during a press conference at his official residence in Nairobi, on October 7, 2024, ahead of the National Assembly vote on his impeachment motion. Image copyright: *** GETTY *** Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images

The Spin

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.

The Conversation

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.

Council on Foreign Relations