On October 17, 2024, the Kenyan Senate voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Senators found him guilty on five of the 11 charges brought against him, including gross violation of the Constitution, undermining judicial independence, and making inflammatory public statements that violated the National Cohesion and Integration Act. However, he was acquitted on charges such as undermining devolution and committing gross economic crimes.
The impeachment vote took place despite Gachagua’s illness, which led to his hospitalization. His legal team protested, citing unfair procedures, and they are now expected to challenge the impeachment in court. The historic Senate decision means that Gachagua no longer holds office as Deputy President, marking a significant moment in Kenyan politics.