In a major development, Kenya’s National Assembly supports the impeachment of Vice President Rigathi Gachagua, raising stakes in the nation’s political arena.

On Tuesday night, October 8th, a total of 281 Kenyan MPs voted to impeach Rigathi Gachagua, who had been serving as the country’s Vice President since William Ruto’s election in 2022.

Forty-four Kenyan MPs voted against his removal from office, while one MP abstained.

After the announcement of the impeachment motion results, scenes of celebration were visible.

Gachagua, who faced accusations of backing major anti-government protests in June and engaging in corruption along with other irregularities, has defended himself both during a televised address and in Parliament.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula stated that Article 145 2A of the Constitution stipulates, “If a motion under clause 1 receives support from at least two-thirds of the National Assembly, the speaker must notify the speaker of the Senate within two days.”

If the Senate also supports the motion, Gachagua would be the first deputy president to face impeachment since the adoption of the new constitution in 2010.

READ ALSO: Deputy President of Kenya Defends Against Impeachment, Claims Political Vendetta

According to Chapter 9 of the Constitution, there are two circumstances under which the Deputy President can be removed from office:

(a) due to physical or mental inability to fulfill the duties of the position;

or (b) in relation to impeachment

Impeachment can occur based on three grounds:

(i) a severe breach of any provision within this Constitution or any other law;

(ii) when there are substantial grounds to suspect that the Deputy President has violated national or international law;

or (iii) due to severe misconduct.

On Monday, October 7th, Gachagua defended how he acquired his wealth by stating that some of the properties mentioned in the impeachment motion were actually owned by his late brother. He also justified the renovation expenses for his official residence, explaining that it was previously in disrepair and needed to be “dignified.”

For months, there was speculation about the rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto. This development has now exposed the discord between them.

Amidst unprecedented protests, Kenyans called for President William Ruto to resign.