Kenya’s High Court Dismisses Attempt to Derail Impeachment Proceedings

NAIROBI, Kenya – In a turn of events that could shake up Kenya’s political landscape, the High Court has turned down a plea from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s legal team, allowing the Senate to proceed with debates on his impeachment. On Tuesday, Justice Chacha Mwita emphasized that legal proceedings should not halt parliamentary actions.

The National Assembly recently passed the impeachment motion against Gachagua, who is accused of corruption and instigating anti-government rallies, by a significant margin of 281 to 44. The Senate is gearing up for discussions set to begin on Wednesday.

Gachagua, sternly denying the allegations, pledges to fight back against any attempts to remove him through legal channels. In a parallel development, Chief Justice Martha Koome has constituted a three-judge bench to evaluate legal objections raised concerning the impeachment proceedings.

The public conversation around Gachagua’s potential dismissal has stirred both support and dissent, with minor skirmishes breaking out last week. Although President William Ruto has yet to publicize his stance, he previously signaled a desire to foster a professional rapport with his deputy, a stark contrast from his fraught relationship with ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Senate stands at the heart of this unfolding saga, requiring a two-thirds majority to seal Gachagua’s impeachment—a feat that would make waves in Kenyan history should it come to pass.

AXADLETM