NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya’s Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a request by the vice president’s lawyers to prevent the Senate from considering an impeachment motion against him. parliament voted to remove him from office last week.
Judge Chacha Mwita ruled that parliament can exercise its constitutional mandate and that the court will not “interfere”.
Vice President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment motion was approved by a 281-44 vote in parliament last week and forwarded to the Senate, which will begin hearings on Wednesday. Gachagua faces impeachment for corruption and other irregularities, including allegations he supported protests against the government in June. He denies all charges against him.
Under Kenya’s constitution, the dismissal is automatic if approved by both chambers, although Gachagua can challenge the action in court – something he has said he would do.
The chief justice on Monday approved a three-judge panel to hear six petitions challenging the impeachment trial.
The debate over his fate extends beyond parliament – supporters and opponents of the motion clashed in public forums last week after the ruling alliance tabled the motion in parliament.
President William Ruto has not yet publicly commented on the impeachment, but stated in the early days of his presidency that he would not publicly humiliate his deputy, citing the difficult relationship he had with his predecessor. Uhuru Kenyattaduring their second term.
The Senate needs a two-thirds majority to approve the impeachment motion. If approved, it would be the first time a sitting vice president has been ousted in Kenya.
