Security Reduced for Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Following Senate Decision

The security detail for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been reduced after the Senate Speaker, Amason Kingi, officially gazetted his impeachment.

Gachagua was hospitalized at Karen Hospital in Nairobi at the time of the announcement on Thursday night.

Security arrangements around the hospital, which had been heightened prior to the impeachment, were scaled back shortly after midnight once the gazette notice was issued. .

Similar reductions in security were observed at Gachagua’s various properties, where armed personnel had previously been stationed.

In light of the looming impeachment, Gachagua had vacated his official residence in Karen days earlier, opting to stay at his private residence.

His security previously included over 50 officers from the General Service Unit’s Recce Unit—responsible for protecting the president—as well as additional personnel from the General Duty and Administration Police Service.

Gachagua’s legal team is preparing to challenge the impeachment process in court, a move that could escalate the current political crisis.

Senators upheld five out of the eleven charges brought against him.

In his announcement, Speaker Kingi stated, “pursuant to Articles 145 (7) and 150 (1) (b) and (2) of the Constitution and Standing Order 78 (8) of the Senate Standing Orders, on Thursday, 17th October 2024, the Senate resolved to remove from office, by impeachment, His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, E.G.H., Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya on the following grounds.”

The charges included serious violations of various constitutional articles, such as Articles 10 (2) (a), (b), and (c); 27 (4); and 73 (1) (a) and (2) (b). Additional allegations involved undermining the institutional independence of judges and misconduct incompatible with the dignity of the Deputy President’s office.

Gachagua now holds the unfortunate distinction of being the first Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be impeached.

The motion for his removal was introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse in the National Assembly, where it passed with 281 votes in favor, compared to 44 against.

As Gachagua remains hospitalized, dozens of supporters have gathered at Karen Hospital.

He was admitted around 3:00 PM on Thursday after experiencing severe chest pains attributed to stress.

Dr. Dan Gikonyo, Chief Cardiologist and founder of the hospital, confirmed that Gachagua is currently stable but will undergo further tests.

“The stress may be a likely cause of his sudden condition,” Dr. Gikonyo noted, indicating that Gachagua will be monitored for three days before his discharge.