This Week in Politics

Kenyan Deputy President Removed from Office

Following a tumultuous period in Kenyan politics, the Senate overwhelmingly voted to dispose Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, charging him with 5 out of 11 grounds for impeachment. This makes Mr Gachagua the first deputy president in Kenyan history to be removed through an impeachment proceeding. At a staggering 54-13 his removal garnered well above the constitutionally required 2/3 majority, following suit with the National Assembly that voted 282-44 against the deputy president last week. He had pleaded not guilty.

The removal stems from allegations including corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and supporting anti-government protests culminating in the storming of the parliament. Moreover, it showcases the drift between Mr Gachagua and President Ruto, who have been at loggerheads. The president's choice of longstanding ally and Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as Rigathi Gachagua's replacement is no surprise. Yet, the High Court has intervened blocking Mr Kindiki's appointment and temporarily suspending the charges until 24 October as it is set to discuss the issue. 

Presidential Polling Tightens

With November looming polling is proving unclear, and the early sprint of the Harris Campaign seems to be halting as former President Trump plays catch-up. All swing states but two have grown even closer this past week, notablePennsylvania and Wisconsin are experiencing some of the closest margins since Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race with the Trump-Vance ticket threatening the VP's lead. Michigan, the stronghold of the Blue Wall is eerily close to red for Democratic strategists. North Carolina is shifting toward Democrats, scaring Republicans. Both Arizona and Georgia have widened Trump's lead noticeably, a relief for his campaign while placing more pressure on the Rust Belt for Harris-Walz. Both sides are betting big on these swing states, and it's likely to come down to the wire.

Longstanding Icelandic Coalition Collapses

After failing to cohere on foreign policy, asylum seekers, and energy the Icelandic governing coalition has dissolved. Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson has called for a snap election in November. The 3-party coalition collapsed as a record low of Icelanders approve of the government; Mr Benediktsson's party, the Independence Party, secured some 24% of the vote share last election, now it polls at about 13%. Similarly, the Progressive Party has shrunk from about 17% to just above the 5% threshold, the Left-Green Movement is about a fourth of its 2021 election size, meaning it would fail to win seats in the Althing (the parliament). Simultaneously the Social Democrats are enjoying significant gains in polling, more than doubling the nearly 10% won last election to 26%. Furthermore, the Centre Party is set to make gains, from 5.5% to 18%. The Icelandic election is seemingly going to be a shake-up, with a realigning electorate requiring a new alliance.