Kenyan Deputy President Gachagua Impeachment Trial Suspended

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was hospitalized on the day he was scheduled to testify in his impeachment trial, which has raised concerns about the political implications of his absence. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi stated that the trial is a time-sensitive process that cannot be extended beyond Friday, and the Senate could proceed without Gachagua if necessary. Gachagua faces serious allegations, including corruption and inciting ethnic divisions, and has pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming the impeachment is a 'political witch hunt'. His potential removal would mark the first such instance for a sitting deputy president in Kenya's history, following a majority vote in the National Assembly to impeach him. The impeachment process has caused tensions within the government, especially between Gachagua and President William Ruto, with whom he has had a tumultuous relationship. Gachagua's legal team plans to contest the impeachment in court if it is approved by the Senate, which requires a two-thirds majority for removal.