Kenya's Deputy President, Gachagua, Impeached, Reason Emerges

• The Senate has impeached Kenya's deputy president Rigathi Gachagua despite his failure to appear at his trial
• Gachagua's lawyer had appealed that the deputy president was admitted to the hospital receiving treatment for chest pain
• The deputy president had earlier pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charges of allegation levelled against him

Rigathi Gachagua, the Kenya's deputy president, has been sacked from his office even after he failed to appear at his impeachment trial after his lawyer said he had been admitted to the hospital.

This is as Kenya experienced one of the most dramatic days in its political history. Gachagua was expected to appear before the Senate to defend himself from being impeached. The impeachment came days after he pleaded not guilty to 11 charges.

Read also

Peter Obi fumes as Tinubu, Shettima jet out of Nigeria amid worsening economic crisis

Why Kenya's deputy president was impeached

BBC reported that Gachagua, popularly referred to as Riggy G, did not show up at the hearing. His lawyer requested the suspension of the defence, adding that his client was having chest pains and already attending treatment at The Karen Hospital.

However, the senators decided to continue the trial without him, which was why the defence team left the chamber.

The lawmakers' refusal to suspend the hearing until Saturday, October 18, was not legally allowed. This shows the senators' determination to impeach Gachagua months after he fell out with President William Ruto.

Lower house of parliament voted to impeach Gachagua

Last week, the majority of members of the MP in the National Assembly voted for the removal of Gachagua in the lower house of the parliament, leading to his two-day trial in the Senate.

Read also

Orji Kalu finally opens up on his monthly earnings as Nigerian senator

President Ruto has yet to comment on the impeachment of his deputy. Speculation has begun about potential replacements, with four individuals mentioned:

1. Murang'a County Governor: Irungu Kang'ata
2. Kirinyaga County Governor: Anne Waiguru
3. Interior Minister: Kithure Kindiki
4. Foreign Affairs Minister: Musalia Mudavadi

Kenya, other African countries demand JAMB verification

Legit.ng earlier reported that JAMB had listed Kenya and Uganda as the African countries seeking verifications of Nigerians seeking admission to their tertiary institutions.

The examination board stated this in its 2024 policy meeting document, adding that it can not forge records until Nigerian institutions provide them.

This followed the federal government's move to suspend the verification of certificates from some African universities, including Kenya and Uganda.

Source: Legit.ng