The impeachment has divided opinions among Kenyans, with some seeing it as the end of the Deputy President’s career, while others believe there is still hope for him to make a comeback through the Senate or the courts.
Kibwezi West MP Mutuse Mwengi, who tabled the impeachment motion, accused Gachagua of several violations, including unlawfully acquiring assets inconsistent with his official salary and breaching laws like the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act. One of the major charges against Gachagua was undermining President William Ruto and the cabinet by making public statements that contradicted government policy.
The motion outlined Gachagua’s alleged involvement in corrupt practices under sections 45(1), 46, 47(a)(3), and 48(1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act. The Deputy President was also accused of violating sections 2, 3, 4, and 7 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
With these serious allegations brought against him, the National Assembly’s decision to impeach Gachagua was seen as a significant political event in Kenya, drawing widespread reactions from the public.
Kenyans were quick to react to the news of Gachagua’s impeachment, and opinions were split. Some citizens felt that the Deputy President’s removal was inevitable given the charges against him. Others were more optimistic, believing that the Senate or the courts could still save him from being ousted.
One Kenyan, Davie, expressed hope for Gachagua, saying, “It’s not the end of the road yet. The Senate and the High Court are still there.” This sentiment was echoed by Gracious Twayne, who added, “Gachagua is my man! Let’s face the Senate now, and even the courts if necessary.”
Others, however, were less hopeful, believing that the impeachment would likely be upheld by the Senate. Peter Gitau commented, “Impeaching a Deputy President is not easy, but the Senate will probably go along with the National Assembly’s decision. The real fight will be in the courts, where evidence will be needed to overturn the ruling.”
Gachagua’s impeachment has now moved to the Senate, where a committee or plenary session will review the charges brought against him. The Senate is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations before making a final decision. According to the law, Gachagua’s impeachment will stand if two-thirds of the senators uphold the charges after a seven-day session.
Many Kenyans believe that the Senate will handle the case with more scrutiny than the National Assembly. “The Senate has lawmakers with higher reasoning skills, and they will secure Gachagua, just like they did in previous impeachment cases,” said one Kenyan, referring to the Senate’s history of blocking some impeachment motions from the National Assembly.
However, if the Senate upholds the impeachment, Gachagua may still have one final option: appealing to the High Court. Some citizens pointed out that other leaders, such as impeached county governors, have been able to delay or overturn their removal from office through legal channels.
The impeachment vote has left Gachagua in a state of political uncertainty. As the Kenya Kwanza Alliance MPs rallied enough support to impeach him, questions have arisen about the unity within the ruling coalition and the relationship between Gachagua and President William Ruto.
Despite his removal by the National Assembly, some Kenyans believe that Gachagua could still bounce back, either through the Senate or by fighting his case in the judiciary. “This is just the beginning of the battle,” one citizen commented. “If Gachagua can prove his innocence in court, he might be able to return stronger.”
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