It’s the first impeachment under the country’s new Constitution, but some are now calling for a similar move against President William Ruto.
Kenya’s Senate has voted to impeach the country’s deputy president, an unprecedented move that risks stirring a major political crisis and potential unrest in an East African nation widely viewed as a stable democracy in an increasingly volatile region.
The impeachment of the deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, comes just months after widespread protests gripped the country over a finance bill that Kenyans feared would steeply raise the cost of living. After that period of political and economic uncertainty, observers say the impeachment gives President William Ruto a chance to consolidate his power and rid himself of a once-powerful ally he has come to view as a liability.
It also risks intensifying ethnic tensions among the ruling elite in Kenya. Mr. Ruto and Mr. Gachagua are from the Kalenjin and Kikuyu ethnic groups that have dominated power in Kenya since independence. Leaders from the two groups have previously banded together to win political power, and Mr. Gachagua’s ouster could stir tension between the sides.
The impeachment “will sow considerable uncertainty, as Gachagua’s substantial constituency views his ouster as a betrayal and will seek to ensure Ruto pays a political price,” said Murithi Mutiga, the Africa program director at the International Crisis Group.
Many Kenyans who followed the proceedings saw them as politically motivated and a diversion from the many challenges ailing the country, including corruption, rising debt and unemployment. Although Mr. Ruto remained mum throughout the dramatic trial, political experts said it was unlikely that it would have occurred without his support. Mr. Ruto’s ruling coalition holds a significant majority in both houses of Parliament.
“This is a gamble by Ruto but a bold one,” Mr. Mutiga said.
With the impeachment proceedings now concluded, observers say the discontent against Mr. Ruto’s administration is likely to resurface. Demonstrations against the government have already taken place at universities, schools and the main international airport in Nairobi, the capital, in recent weeks.
