What happens next? Steps in choosing a new Deputy President

When midnight on Thursday, October 17, struck, the Senate had already voted on each of the 11 grounds in the impeachment motion. 

Five grounds received the green light, surpassing the threshold which requires two-thirds of the senators to approve at least one of the charges against a state officer. 

The vote followed by subsequent gazettement of the verdict marked a historic move of the first sitting Deputy President to be impeached. 

As it stands, the Deputy President's office remains vacant with critics throwing several prospects likely to ascend to the second highest office. 

Interestingly, the National Assembly had adjusted its calendar to hold a special sitting on Friday to address 'pressing matters', symbolising that the die was already cast for the man of the mountain. 

What happens next?

In line with Article 150 (1) (b) of the Constitution, the DP's office can be declared vacant through impeachment if the individual violates either one of three grounds; gross misconduct, gross violation of the Constitution and committing a crime under national or international law. 

Within 14 days after the office is declared vacant, President William Ruto is expected to forward a nominee to the National Assembly. 

The nominee must meet the qualifications of a Deputy President as stipulated by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). 

Some of these requirements include that the nominee must be a Kenyan citizen by birth, must not owe allegiance to a foreign state, holder of a degree from a recognised university and must meet the ethical requirements under the Leadership and Integrity Act. 

The nominee should also be an individual of sound mind, must not be subject to a sentence of imprisonment of at least six months, must not have violated Chapter Six of the Constitution or have been removed from office. 

The National Assembly will then be required to vote on the nominee within 60 days after receiving it. 

Once approved, the nominee is formally appointed by the president as his deputy. The Constitution does not provide a timeframe but it is expected to occur immediately after Parliament's approval. 

According to Article 149 (8) a deputy president will only be deemed to have served a full term if they occupy the office for more than two and a half years.

For Gachagua, he now loses the retirement benefits accorded to Deputy Presidents for having failed to attain a full term.