On Thursday, October 17, the Kenyan Senate voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, making him the first deputy president to be removed through this process since the introduction of the possibility in the revised 2010 constitution. A majority of senators approved the 11 charges brought against him, which included serious allegations such as gross violation of the constitution.

Speaker Amason Kingi announced that Gachagua ceases to hold office after two-thirds of the senators in accordance with article 145 (7), and Standing Order 78 (8) of the Senate upheld the charges.

In the charge, Gachagua was accused of promoting ethnic discrimination and undermining national unity through divisive public statements.

The accusations against Gachagua for the first charge included serious breaches of several constitutional articles, specifically Articles 10 (2)(A), (B), and (C); 27 (4); 73 (1)(A) and (2)(B); 75 (1)(C); and 129 (2), as well as Article 147 (1), in conjunction with Articles 131 (2)(C) and (D). In total, at least 54 senators supported the findings against him, underscoring the overwhelming consensus on the gravity of the allegations.

The proceedings leading up to the vote were dramatic, marked by high tensions and significant political theater. One of the most notable moments was Gachagua’s failure to present his defense, which many viewed as a critical misstep in his attempt to contest the charges. His absence during the defense phase raised questions about his commitment to addressing the allegations and ultimately may have swayed the senators’ opinions against him.

The impeachment carries considerable implications for Kenya’s political landscape. It not only sets a precedent for future actions against high-ranking officials but also signals a potential shift in the balance of power within the government. Gachagua’s removal could lead to increased scrutiny of other leaders and their conduct, reinforcing the accountability measures outlined in the constitution.

On October 17, Senior Counsel Paul Muite informed the Senate about Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s hospitalization due to intense chest pains. Muite revealed that he had spoken with the doctors attending to Gachagua at Karen Hospital, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

The admission highlights growing concerns about the health of political leaders, particularly in high-pressure roles like that of the Deputy President.

“I would like to inform honorable Senators that I’ve been able to contact the doctors at Karen Hospital, and because of his condition I was not able to directly talk to him on the advice of his doctors who said he must have complete rest for the time being. I was however, informed by his doctors that he’s currently suffering intense chest pains. I did not want to inquire beyond that,” Muite said.

Senior Counsel Paul Muite: I have contacted the doctors who are attending to DP Gachagua and I was informed that he is currently suffering intense chest pains#GachaguaImpeachment pic.twitter.com/tIOIiWMDsK

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) October 17, 2024

Jonathan Nabwera Simiyu, a student at Kenyatta University, has gone missing under troubling circumstances following a graduation party on September 28.

Friends and family reported his disappearance after he left the event to pick up a laptop from a friend, Joash Wamnyokoli.

According to reports, Jonathan was last seen at the party, where he had been celebrating the achievements of his peers. After the festivities, he informed his friends that he would be heading to Joash’s place to collect the laptop. However, he never returned home, leading to growing concern among his loved ones when he failed to communicate with them.

His family has been actively searching for him and has urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

“On Thursday, September 26, my son called his father and told him he wanted a laptop. He informed him that his friend had offered to sell him a laptop for KSh 15,000. The money was sent on the same day, but on Saturday, when he was going to pick up the laptop, we called his two phones, but they were off,” Anne Namsonge, Simiyu’s mum, said.

They have also reported his disappearance to local authorities, who are now involved in the search efforts. The case has garnered attention on social media, with many sharing his details in hopes of reaching a wider audience.

The situation has prompted discussions about student safety, particularly during social events. As more information emerges, the university community is rallying to support Jonathan’s family, reflecting the strong bonds among students and the collective concern for each other’s well-being.