On Tuesday, Kenya’s National Assembly voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on charges ranging from personal enrichment to promoting ethnic hatred. The vote saw 281 MPs, representing over two-thirds of the chamber, support the motion, with 44 against and one abstaining. This paves the way for the Senate to deliberate on the charges, a process that could lead to Gachagua’s removal from office.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced the outcome of the vote, stating, “A total of 281 members, being more than two-thirds of the National Assembly, have voted in support of the motion.” The allegations against Gachagua include accusations of amassing unexplained wealth and engaging in divisive rhetoric that undermines national unity.

Gachagua, a close ally of President William Ruto during the 2022 elections, had been instrumental in securing votes from Kenya’s central region. However, in recent months, reports suggest a growing rift between the two leaders, following Ruto’s reshuffling of his cabinet to bring in opposition members after nationwide protests against unpopular tax hikes.

In his defense, Gachagua urged MPs to “search your conscience” before casting their votes, calling for a fair evaluation of the charges against him. Despite his appeal, the majority of parliamentarians sided with the motion. Kimani Ichung’wah, the parliament’s majority leader, condemned Gachagua as a “great danger to the unity of our republic.”

The impeachment motion now moves to the Senate, which may appoint a committee to investigate the charges. If two-thirds of senators uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will be removed from office. Gachagua, who has denied all accusations, has filed a court petition to halt the process.

The political turbulence comes at a time when a TIFA Research poll found that 41% of Kenyans supported the impeachment, with 38% opposing it. President Ruto has yet to comment on the proceedings, further fueling speculation about the depth of the divide between him and his deputy.