Controversial Ousting: Kenya's Deputy President Impeached from Hospital Bed

Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya's Deputy President, was impeached by Senate vote while hospitalized, with charges including corruption and inciting discord, signaling a major political shift just two years into his term alongside President Ruto.

In a historic political upheaval, Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was ousted by senators while recovering in The Karen Hospital, where he was being treated for chest pains. The dramatic decision unfolded during what was meant to be his impeachment trial, which he missed due to health complications, leading to a senator-led vote in his absence.

The conflict began months prior when Gachagua fell out with President William Ruto. He faced multiple charges, including corruption and inciting ethnic divisions, which culminated in a swift trial after the National Assembly overwhelmingly voted for his impeachment last week. Gachagua, known colloquially as "Riggy G," called the proceedings a "political lynching," as he struggled to defend himself from the hospital bed.

Despite the absence of his testimony, the Senate proceeded with the trial, showcasing a determination amongst senators to sever ties with Gachagua. They voted decisively to convict him on several counts, solidifying their majority and ultimately ending Gachagua's tenure. This tumultuous period drew stark lines in Kenya's political arena, especially after Gachagua’s public criticism of the president’s decisions regarding tax hikes and civil unrest earlier this year.

As news of the impeachment spread, speculation began surrounding Gachagua’s potential replacements. Names floated include Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata, Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi. Gachagua's legal team has indicated intentions to challenge the Senate's ruling, but for now, the political landscape in Kenya is shifting dramatically.