The Kenyan Senate is set to commence impeachment hearings for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua next week.
This announcement was made by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on Wednesday.
Kingi confirmed that the upper house will hold hearings on the charges against Gachagua on Wednesday and Thursday.
It follows a significant vote in the National Assembly that initiated the impeachment process.
“As this matter comes before you, I cannot underscore enough the immense public interest it has elicited,” Kingi stated.
He emphasized the importance of the Senate’s role in upholding the Constitution and maintaining its reputation.
Gachagua’s impeachment came after a decisive vote in the National Assembly. A total of 281 Members of Parliament voted in favor of the motion against him.
The motion accuses Gachagua of gross misconduct, corruption, and violations of the Constitution.
The impeachment motion was spearheaded by Kibwezi West lawmaker Mwengi Mutuse.
It alleges that Gachagua undermined the president’s administration through unilateral public statements and unlawfully acquired public assets.
If the Senate ultimately upholds the impeachment, Gachagua will become the first Kenyan deputy president removed from office under the 2010 Constitution.
The Senate requires a two-thirds majority vote from its members to finalize his removal.
The Senate’s hearings are expected to draw significant public attention as citizens closely monitor the proceedings.
Many are eager to see how the Senate handles such a high-profile case involving a sitting deputy president.