Kenyan lawmakers are preparing to vote on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a high-stakes political drama that has dominated the country following his falling out with President William Ruto.

The motion, brought forward by Mwengi Mutuse, an MP, accuses Gachagua of corruption, ethnic divisiveness, and undermining the government.

The charges, if proven, could lead to the removal of the 59-year-old politician, who is widely known by the nickname “Riggy G.”

Gachagua has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda,” while maintaining that the impeachment is a politically motivated plot aimed at ousting him from office. In a televised speech on Monday, he criticized Mutuse for making “shameful and sensational” claims, attempting to discredit the accusations against him.

Despite his efforts to halt the proceedings through the courts, Gachagua has so far failed, and the impeachment process is moving forward.

A total of 291 MPs have signed the motion to impeach him, exceeding the constitutional requirement of 117 signatures. Gachagua is expected to appear before parliament to defend himself before the vote takes place, after which the matter will be referred to the Senate for further deliberation.

The political turmoil follows recent anti-tax protests that turned violent, leading to the deaths of more than 50 people. In response, President Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, dismissing most of his ministers and bringing in opposition members to stabilize the government.

Additionally, several MPs aligned with Gachagua were summoned by police last month on suspicion of financing the protests, although no charges were ultimately filed.

Ahead of the parliamentary vote, security has been heightened in Nairobi, with police patrolling the streets and major roads leading to parliament being blocked. Meanwhile, Gachagua has hired a team of about 20 lawyers to defend him against the impeachment, underscoring the tense and pivotal nature of the ongoing political saga.