Kenya’s parliament has entered the final phase of removing Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office.
Last week, a majority in the National Assembly voted in favor of his impeachment, leading to a two-day Senate trial that will determine his fate.
Gachagua faces 11 charges, including corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and undermining the government, all of which he denies.
The move follows a recent fallout between Gachagua and President William Ruto, who has remained silent on the issue.
The Senate trial is being conducted by the full house after abandoning the idea of forming an 11-member committee to investigate the charges.
The proceedings have begun with the charges being read out, followed by opening statements from both sides.
Analysts predict that the impeachment will likely be upheld, as ruling party senators are expected to gain support from the opposition, similar to the lower house vote.
Starting at 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on Wednesday, the National Assembly’s evidence against Gachagua, including any witnesses, will be presented and examined for three hours, followed by two hours of cross-examination.
On Thursday, the trial will resume to handle evidence and witnesses from Gachagua’s defense, concluding by late afternoon.
Afterward, senators will debate the motion for about two hours before voting, scheduled for Thursday night at 20:30 local time.
The Senate can extend the proceedings until Friday if necessary, which is the final legal day for the matter. To remove Gachagua from office, at least two-thirds of the 67 Senate members must vote in favor.
If impeached, Gachagua would be barred from holding any future public office.
Gachagua is expected to challenge the impeachment in court if it proceeds. He has made numerous unsuccessful attempts to halt the process, with at least 26 court cases filed so far.
On Tuesday, a judge ruled that the court would not intervene, allowing the Senate to carry out its constitutional duty. A three-judge bench also rejected a similar request just before the proceedings began on Wednesday.
Among the charges against Gachagua is the allegation that he acquired assets worth 5.2 billion Kenyan shillings ($40 million; £31 million) in the two years since becoming deputy president, allegedly through corrupt means.
Gachagua has defended himself, claiming that many of the properties in question were inherited from his late brother’s estate.
A wealthy businessman from the central Mount Kenya region, Gachagua quickly ascended from being a first-time Member of Parliament to becoming Kenya’s deputy president.
He was selected as William Ruto’s running mate in the August 2022 election, despite facing corruption allegations at the time—charges that were later dropped after he assumed office.
His impeachment trial has been a focal point of public and media discussions in Kenya.
For some, the political drama is seen as a distraction from the pressing economic concerns facing the majority of Kenyans, who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
In June, protests erupted over unpopular tax hikes, revealing a deep rift between President Ruto and Gachagua.
Gachagua also faces accusations of undermining Kenya’s security agencies, following remarks he made blaming the intelligence agency during the protests.