Public forums are being conducted nationwide to facilitate discussions regarding the impeachment motion.

Supporters and opponents of Kenya's Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, engaged in clashes at public forums on Friday concerning an impeachment motion that was recently introduced against him in Parliament by the ruling alliance.

Gachagua faces allegations of supporting anti-government protests in June, along with charges of involvement in corruption and various irregularities, which he firmly denies.

The impeachment motion against Gachagua was proposed in Parliament on Tuesday, with a deadline set for Friday for Kenyans to complete public participation forms in their respective constituencies. Consequently, public forums have been organized throughout the country to facilitate discussions regarding the impeachment.

In Nairobi, a public forum held at the Bomas of Kenya escalated into violence, as supporters of President William Ruto clashed with those backing Gachagua. During the confrontation, chairs were thrown in the auditorium, and activist Morara Kebaso, known for highlighting stalled government projects, reported injuries from the altercation.

In Nyeri County, located in central Kenya, police confronted supporters of the Deputy President as they vocally protested, insisting that there would be no presidency if their deputy were to be impeached. This sentiment stems from the fact that Gachagua and President Ruto were elected together on a joint ticket.

Meanwhile, in Nyandarua County, opponents of Gachagua were branded as traitors and subsequently expelled from a community hall.

The impeachment motion garnered the support of 291 legislators, surpassing the 117 signatures required by the constitution. However, some legislators from Gachagua's home turf have indicated that they no longer support the motion after hearing opposing viewpoints from their constituents.

One supporter articulated a notable point on Citizen TV, stating, “If the Deputy President is guilty, then his boss, the President, is equally guilty.”

The grounds for Gachagua's impeachment include ten charges, such as corruption, ethnic discrimination, and violating government policies. He has consistently asserted his innocence and has vowed to combat the impeachment motion.

On Thursday, the High Court declined to halt the public participation process scheduled for Friday and set the following Wednesday as the date for the hearing.

President Ruto has refrained from commenting on the impeachment debate surrounding his deputy. He has previously indicated that he would not publicly humiliate Gachagua, referencing the troubled relationship he experienced with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, during their second term in office.

The Senate is expected to review the impeachment motion on Tuesday of the upcoming week.