Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Speaker Amason Kingi announced that the Senate will make a decision on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment within the next ten days. This comes after receiving a formal communication from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, relaying the MPs’ decision to proceed with the impeachment.
Kingi stated that the motion, initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, outlines 11 specific grounds for the Deputy President’s removal.
He emphasized that both sides would have ample opportunity to present their arguments before the Senate votes on the motion, ensuring a fair and thorough process.
“The Senate will give adequate time for both parties. No party will leave complaining about inadequate time,” the speaker said.
Speaker Amason Kingi has laid out the procedure for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings. The Senate Clerk has been directed to issue formal invitations to the Deputy President, asking him to defend himself against the 11 charges. Additionally, the Clerk will invite Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, the mover of the motion, to present their case.
Both parties must receive their invitations by the end of business on Wednesday, October 9, and are required to submit their responses to the Senate Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14. Upon receiving the documents, the Clerk will distribute all relevant materials, including the hearing schedule, to the senators.
The Senate will hold the plenary hearing on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17. However, some senators expressed concern over the already packed schedule, noting that they are set to discuss the impeachment of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai earlier that same week.
To address these concerns, Speaker Kingi allowed for the possibility of extending the Gachagua impeachment proceedings to Friday if they are not completed within the two scheduled days.
“Upon reading these charges, we have 10 days to conclude this process. Once we see the documentation and list of witnesses and it becomes obvious that we cannot conclude this matter in two days, we have Friday,” Kingi noted.
Also Read: Gachagua refutes Sh 5.2B wealth accusations, cites inherited properties
“Let us cross the bridge when we get there. One thing I can assure the public is that the Senate will do justice over this matter. There will be zero complaints after the conclusion of this matter.”
During a Senate session, members voted against a proposal by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot to form a special committee to investigate the 11 charges against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Instead, the Senate opted for the matter to be handled by the entire House.
The proposal was struck down after Nairobi Senator declined to second it, leading Speaker Amason Kingi to dismiss the motion and confirm that the impeachment proceedings would proceed before the full Senate.
“Given the mood of the House especially on the minority side I respectfully decline to second that motion,” Sifuna said.
