Kenya Deputy President taken ill as senate prepares to impeach him
By DL News
Published
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Gachagua was initially present in the Senate earlier in the day but was expected to appear again at 14:30 local time (11:30 GMT) to defend himself before a vote scheduled for Thursday evening.
Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has failed to attend his impeachment trial in the Senate due to illness, according to his lawyer.
Gachagua was initially present in the Senate earlier in the day but was expected to appear again at 14:30 local time (11:30 GMT) to defend himself before a vote scheduled for Thursday evening.
However, his lawyer, Paul Muite, informed the Senate that the deputy president had been hospitalized.
Parliament Speaker Amason Kingi announced that the Senate proceedings would be paused until 17:00, hoping that Gachagua could still testify.
Kingi emphasized that the process is time-sensitive and must conclude by Friday as mandated by law. The trial may continue in Gachagua's absence, though exceptional reasons could allow for a later appearance.
Gachagua faces 11 charges, including corruption, fostering ethnic divisions, and undermining the government. He pleaded not guilty to all charges at the trial's outset on Wednesday.
