When we look back at what happened on October 17, 2024, it is clear the Senate was right to impeach Rigathi Gachagua. The vote was not close. Out of 66 senators, 53 voted to remove him, showing it was more than politics – it was about protecting the Constitution.
The biggest charge was undermining national unity. A Deputy President is supposed to bring the country together. But 53 senators agreed Gachagua’s words and actions were dividing Kenyans instead. That alone showed he could no longer be trusted to hold the office.
Another strong vote was on undermining judges. 51 senators said he was interfering with the independence of the Judiciary. The courts are the last hope for justice in Kenya, and any leader who tries to weaken them is attacking the Constitution itself.
The Senate also found that he had broken his oath of office. 49 senators agreed he failed to respect the promises he made when being sworn in. An oath is not just words – it is a bond of trust with the people. Breaking it is enough reason for removal.
Other charges like inciteful remarks (47 votes) and conduct unfit for his office (46 votes) showed a pattern: instead of calming the nation, he kept fueling division.
It is true that not all charges passed. Senators rejected claims of economic crimes, bullying, and insubordination. But the main charges that did pass were the most serious ones – about unity, the Judiciary, the oath, and respect for office.
This shows the Senate was not just playing politics. They carefully weighed each charge and only upheld the strongest.
Looking back, impeachment was not just justified – it was necessary. It sent a clear message: no matter how high your office, you must respect the law, unite the nation, and honor your oath.
