Kenya’s deputy president is currently hospitalized as the country prepares for a crucial impeachment vote. His legal team has raised concerns about the timing and implications of his health condition.
Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, was unable to attend his impeachment hearing on Thursday due to a serious illness that has resulted in hospitalization, as stated by his lawyer.
Gachagua was scheduled to appear before the Senate to address 11 charges against him; however, his lawyer, Paul Muite, informed the Senate that Gachagua’s health prevented him from attending.
They were subsequently asked to reschedule the grilling for Tuesday of next week.
A postponement that would have allowed the VP to come back and defend himself with his legal counsel.
Nonetheless, the Senate decided to move forward with the impeachment process.
The impeachment motion is set to be voted on by the upper house of Parliament on Thursday evening.
The National Assembly voted last week to impeach Gachagua, who was instrumental in aiding President William Ruto’s election victory two years prior. Recently, however, he has faced criticism from Ruto’s allies for alleged disloyalty and controversial public remarks.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi halted the hearing, granting Gachagua until 5:00 PM local time to appear. Gachagua has previously characterized the impeachment as a politically motivated attack founded on falsehoods.
President Ruto, who has experienced disagreements with Gachagua in recent months, has not yet addressed the situation. Political experts caution that removing Gachagua from office might spark public outrage and demands for analogous measures against the president.
In Kenya, many people feel that the impeachment is driven by political motives and serves as a distraction from pressing issues. This includes the deadly anti-tax protests in June and July, which underscored widespread dissatisfaction with the government.
Gachagua faces charges of inciting ethnic tensions and amassing properties valued at more than $40 million since assuming office, despite his net worth being approximately $6 million prior to becoming deputy president. His legal team contends that there is a lack of substantial evidence supporting these accusations.
If two-thirds of the Senate votes in favor, Gachagua could become the first Kenyan president or deputy president to be removed from office under the 2010 constitution.
