Kenyans react to the historic impeachment of deputy president: Video
Kenya made history on Tuesday, October 8, when 281 members of its parliament voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on charges of abuse of office and corruption.
The decision has sparked a wide range of reactions across the country, reflecting the deep political divisions and strong emotions surrounding the event.
Despite the 'good intentions' behind the lawmakers' actions, there are many Kenyans who still feel disappointed.
Kelvin Muriuki, an artist who shared his views with AFP said "If my opinion will count, I will say they would have gone both of them; both the president and the vice president because they failed this country in a big way. Ever since they got into office, there is nothing that we are seeing that is going on. All what is happening is looting of public resources. And we are we are very much angry with this government."
Elphas Otieno, a citizen on the other hand said "It is now Gachagua for himself, but at the end of the day, the MPs, they did a good thing. I wish they could do this to other matters as well. Gachagua is an individual. We have matters in this country which need more or less the same debate. The cost of living, the airport (Adani deal), NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund), all these matters also need attention.
On Tuesday evening, Speaker Moses Wetangula announced that 281 MPs had approved an 11-charge impeachment motion, with 44 MPs opposing and one abstaining.
This unprecedented vote makes Gachagua the first Kenyan deputy president to be impeached by the National Assembly. The final decision on his removal now rests with the Senate.
Accused of practising ethnically divisive politics, Rigathi Gachagua has denied any form of wrongdoing.
