Gachagua impeached in absentia

The Senate has voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, marking the first time a sitting deputy president has been removed from office by the bicameral Parliament.

Gachagua’s impeachment was secured after 53 senators voted in favor of the first charge, which accused him of gross violation of the Constitution.

The charge alleged that he had divided Kenyans through his remarks on shareholding.

"The Seante has resolved to remove from office by impeachment, DP Rigathi Gachagua. Accordingly, Gachagua ceases to hold office," Speaker Kingi has announced.

The DP has been found guilty of five out of 11 counts. He was accused of gross misconduct, committing crimes under National Cohesion and Intergration Act, making false, malicious and inciteful remarks, undermining the President, among others.

At the time of his impeachment, Gachagua was hospitalised at Karen Hospital, where he was admitted on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

This is a developing story and is being updated…