Kenya's High Court has declined to halt the impeachment process of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Kenya's High Court on Tuesday rejected an attempt by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's lawyers to halt the Senate from debating an impeachment motion against him. This follows last week's parliamentary vote, where lawmakers voted to remove him from office.

Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the court would not interfere with parliament's constitutional duties, allowing the Senate to proceed with hearings starting Wednesday.

The impeachment motion against Gachagua was passed by a vote of 281-44 in parliament and was then forwarded to the Senate for further action. Gachagua faces allegations of corruption and other irregularities, including claims that he supported anti-government protests in June. He has denied all charges.

Under the Kenyan Constitution, if both chambers of parliament approve the impeachment, Gachagua's removal from office would be automatic. However, he retains the right to challenge the decision in court, which he has expressed his intent to do.

On Monday, the Chief Justice appointed a three-judge panel to consider six petitions that have been filed opposing the impeachment process.

The debate over Gachagua's fate has extended beyond parliament. Last week, supporters and opponents of the motion clashed in public forums following the ruling alliance's introduction of the impeachment motion in parliament.

President William Ruto has not publicly commented on the impeachment. However, earlier in his presidency, he stated that he would not publicly humiliate his deputy, referring to his own strained relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta during their second term in office.

For the impeachment motion to pass in the Senate, a two-thirds majority is required. If it does pass, it would mark the first time in Kenya's history that a sitting deputy president is impeached.