NAIROBI, Kenya — A brief adjournment occurred in the impeachment proceedings against Kenya’s Deputy President on Thursday, following his hospitalization due to health issues, as reported by his legal representatives.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had previously pleaded not guilty to eleven impeachment charges on Wednesday and was set to face cross-examination by parliamentary lawyers later that afternoon. A voting session on the impeachment motion was planned for Thursday evening.

The allegations against Gachagua encompass a range of serious accusations, such as corruption, inciting ethnic tensions, and supporting anti-government demonstrations that resulted in protesters storming the national parliament. This situation marks a historic moment, as it is the first occasion where a sitting deputy president in Kenya is facing a potential impeachment.

His lawyer, Paul Muite, mentioned that medical professionals diagnosed Gachagua with severe chest pains, advising him to seek complete rest. On the previous day, Gachagua’s legal team had conducted cross-examinations of witnesses brought by parliament, including the lawmaker who initiated the impeachment proceedings and the head of the anti-corruption agency. Earlier that Thursday, Gachagua’s attorneys requested the dismissal of an affidavit from a pivotal witness—an elected governor from Nairobi—because the governor did not appear to testify.

This case brings to light the ongoing tensions between Gachagua and President William Ruto, a dynamic Ruto had previously promised to navigate carefully following his own contentious past with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Gachagua has expressed his belief that Ruto supports the impeachment process and urged lawmakers to reach their conclusions without fear or pressure.

The developing conflict may further complicate the landscape for investors and business leaders in East Africa’s economic center.

For the impeachment motion to be approved, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority. According to the Kenyan Constitution, if both legislative chambers approve the impeachment, removal from office is immediate. However, Gachagua has indicated that he plans to contest this decision in court.

President Ruto, who began his term by pledging to advocate for the nation’s economically disadvantaged citizens, has faced criticism for his tax policy overhaul aimed at meeting foreign debt obligations. This backlash has prompted him to restructure his cabinet and reconsider certain policy proposals.