The year 2024 will be etched in Kenya’s political history as one marked by a series of high-profile impeachment cases, with some of the country’s prominent politicians facing serious charges. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made history as the first deputy president in Kenya to be impeached. The impeachment motion, introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, garnered a staggering 281 votes in favor, while only 44 MPs voted to save him. The charges against Gachagua ranged from undermining the President, promoting ethnic division, and illegally acquiring wealth to bullying and attacking judges. The Senate upheld several of the charges, sealing his fate in October 2024.
In the same vein, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza was impeached for the third time in two years. Meru MCAs accused her of violating the Constitution, misconduct, and abuse of office, particularly in her handling of county appointments. Despite surviving previous attempts, this time the Senate upheld the MCAs’ decision, dismissing Mwangaza from office. Her removal reflected the ongoing political tensions in Meru, as her leadership was heavily scrutinized for failing to uphold constitutional requirements and making unlawful decisions regarding key county appointments.
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai also faced an impeachment motion, with accusations of misappropriating county funds, illegal appointments, and misconduct. While he survived the motion in the Senate, it was on a technicality, as he argued that the County Assembly did not meet the two-thirds threshold required for his removal. His case set a precedent in Senate proceedings, highlighting the complex legal and procedural challenges surrounding impeachment motions in Kenya.
In Kisii County, Deputy Governor Robert Monda’s political career came to a swift end in February 2024. He was impeached for alleged abuse of office, with accusations of bribery and improper conduct. Monda denied the allegations, claiming that the payments he received were repayments for personal loans. Despite his defense, the Kisii County Assembly voted overwhelmingly to oust him, and the Senate upheld the decision, making Monda the first deputy governor to be impeached in Kenya’s devolved government system.
These impeachment proceedings in 2024 demonstrate the rising political turbulence within Kenya’s governance structures, as allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and misconduct continue to challenge the leadership at both the national and county levels. The year has set a significant precedent for the future of Kenyan politics, with lawmakers showing a readiness to hold even the highest-ranking officials accountable.
