Deposed deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has spoken for the first time since the Senate upheld his impeachment.
Gachagua, who was admitted to The Karen Hospital after falling sick, sent Kenyans a message of goodwill on Sunday, October 20, when the country was marking the 61st edition of Mashujaa Day.
"Happy Mashujaa Day dear Kenyans. God Bless our Nation," posted Gachagua on his official social media handles.
Meanwhile, Gachagua's name was missing on the official programme of events at the national celebration at Kwale Stadium.
Ordinarily, President William Ruto would be invited by his deputy to address the nation.
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But as indicated in the programme seen by Nairobi Leo, Ruto would be ushered in by Kwale governor Fatuma Achani.
It however was yet to be clear if Gachagua would make his way to the venue, Kwale Stadium, where the national celebrations are being held, in his new capacity as a deposed second-in-command.
Kenyans flocked the stadium from Sunday dawn ahead of the president's arrival to preside over the fete.
This would be the third Mashujaa Day Ruto is presiding over after his election to office in 2022.
This year's edition is, however, unique, given that the president is leading the country in marking the day without his deputy.
Gachagua was impeached by the Kenyan bicameral parliament after he was accused of committing 11 offences, ranging from alleged involvement in corruption and sabotage to the president.
His woes heightened on October 8 when 282 MPs voted to impeach him.
The National Assembly's resolution was later upheld by the Senate, in which 53 senators voted to ratify five out of the 11 charges; 13 senators voted to save Gachagua.
Ruto nominated outgoing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to replace Gachagua.
Kindiki's nomination was approved by the National Assembly and officially gazetted, but the High Courts in Kerugoya and Nairobi issued injunctions against his swearing-in after Gachagua filed petitions challenging his impeachment.
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