Kenya:National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula Approves Impeachment Hearing Against Deputy President Rigathi

By Samuel Ouma

Moses Wetang'ula, the Speaker of Kenya's National Assembly, has officially approved the impeachment hearing against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with the overwhelming backing of 293 Members of Parliament.

The decision to approve the motion kicks off a historic political struggle that could result in the Deputy President's ouster from office.

“I find that the special motion meets the conditions for form and threshold set down in Articles 145 (1) and 150 (1)(b) of the Constitution and standing rules 64 (1),” said Speaker Moses Wetangula.

The motion, filed by opposition MP Mutuse Mwengi, accuses Gachagua of gross misconduct, abuse of power, and violations of the Kenyan Constitution.

Allegations include corruption, mishandling of public funds, and participating in divisive discourse that supposedly undermines national unity.

The impeachment motion has caused an uproar across the country, with Gachagua's allies criticizing it as politically motivated.

The impeachment hearing will be held in the National Assembly, where the motion will be tabled for debate.

For the motion to pass, it must receive the support of at least two-thirds of the 349-member House—233 votes. If the motion passes, the case will be sent to the Senate for further consideration and a final vote on whether to remove Gachagua from office.

If the motion is approved, Gachagua would be the first deputy president in Kenyan history to be removed through impeachment.

The procedure might also change the political climate within the Kenya Kwanza government and have a long-term impact on national governance.