Kenyan Deputy President Impeached Amid Political Turmoil

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by the Senate after being found guilty on five of 11 charges, including inciting ethnic hatred and undermining the judiciary. His impeachment marks the first such removal of a deputy president under Kenya's 2010 constitution. Gachagua, who opposed President William Ruto on several policy issues, was hospitalized during the hearings and unable to defend himself. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, nominated by President Ruto, was approved by parliament as Gachagua's successor, although the High Court temporarily suspended Kindiki's swearing-in. Gachagua has denied all charges and filed a court application challenging his removal, highlighting political tensions within the ruling party. The impeachment has caused significant political instability in Kenya, a country known for its relative democratic stability within East Africa.