In a historic move, the Kenyan Senate has impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while he was hospitalized, making him the first deputy president to be removed from office since the country adopted its new constitution in 2010.

On Thursday, October 17, the Senate found Gachagua guilty on five out of eleven charges against him. These included serious allegations such as corruption, money laundering, insubordination, promoting ethnic divisions, and undermining the government. Remarkably, the Senate only needed to convict him on one charge to enact his removal.

Gachagua’s impeachment follows a similar decision by the National Assembly just the week before, where the motion to remove him gained overwhelming support. Although he has consistently denied the allegations, Gachagua was unable to present his defense due to being hospitalized for severe chest pains. Despite his absence, the Senate proceeded with the impeachment vote.

Earlier that day, Gachagua’s lawyer, Paul Muite, requested a delay in the proceedings due to his client’s health condition. However, the Senate rejected the motion to postpone the hearing, leading Gachagua’s legal team to walk out in protest.

Kenyan President William Ruto, who has had a strained relationship with Gachagua in recent months, has not yet made any public comments regarding the impeachment. This event marks a significant moment in Kenyan politics and raises questions about the future of the country’s leadership.