Supporters and opponents of Kenya's deputy president clashed Friday at public forums over an impeachment motion against him, which was introduced in parliament by the ruling alliance this week.

Allies of Kenyan President William Ruto launched a motion in parliament on Tuesday to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of stirring ethnic hatred and undermining the government.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been threatened with impeachment proceedings by lawmakers amid intense speculation that he has had a major fallout with President William Ruto.

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday filed a petition to a court in Nairobi seeking to halt an impeachment process launched against him by lawmakers earlier this week, Kenyan media reported.