Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has requested an additional five days to appear before the Senate and take the witness stand during his impeachment trial.
Through his lead counsel, Paul Muite, Gachagua emphasized the need for a fair chance to defend himself, considering the gravity of the charges against him.
After Muite reported that Gachagua had fallen ill and was taken to the hospital, he urged Senate Speaker Amason Kingi to adjourn the trial until Tuesday, October 22.
“The choice of the language choosing to appear is to be read with Article 145 which obligates the Senate to accord the DP an opportunity to be heard. I leave the matter in your hands, Speaker,” Muite stated.
“I suggest Article 145, sub-article 6(b) does not have the time limit of 10 days. In the interest of justice, given the weight of removing a DP from office, a couple of days. I would add humbly request that a couple of days I had in mind is up to Tuesday,” he added.
National Assembly counsel Eric Gumbo opposed the request for a five-day postponement of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment trial, arguing that it would conflict with the mandated timelines for the case.
Gumbo emphasized that the trial is a time-sensitive process, and suggested that Gachagua’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, should continue representing him in his absence.
“Because Gachagua has had an opportunity to present all the material that he wanted to present and had an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, all that is left is highlighting. We can forego the cross-examination and he can highlight the materials submitted before the House,” he noted.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s lead counsel, Paul Muite, informed the Senate that his client is experiencing intense chest pains.
Muite spoke shortly after Gachagua was taken ill, revealing that the Deputy President has been admitted to Karen Hospital for treatment.
Speaking to this publication, Senator Daniel Maanzo said the Deputy President “just looked tired” but had lunch at his office with other senators who had said he was fine, with everyone expecting him to appear for his defence.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has temporarily adjourned Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment trial to deliberate on a recent request for a five-day extension. According to Kingi, the trial cannot be legally extended beyond Friday unless there are “exceptional reasons.”
To remove Gachagua, a two-thirds majority of the 67 senators must vote in favor, as he faces 11 charges, including corruption, inciting ethnic divisions, and undermining the government.
During the trial’s opening on Wednesday, Gachagua pleaded not guilty to all charges presented, labeling the impeachment a “political witch hunt.” His impeachment was previously approved by a significant majority in the National Assembly, paving the way for the Senate trial.
Gachagua’s relationship with President William Ruto has deteriorated since their election together just two years ago. Tensions escalated in June when Gachagua publicly criticized the head of the intelligence agency for failing to inform Ruto about the scale of protests against unpopular tax increases, which ultimately forced Ruto to retract those taxes.
Following this, Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, incorporating members from the opposition, but has remained silent on the impeachment of his deputy.
Also Read: Senate suspends impeachment trial after DP Gachagua is rushed to hospital
On Wednesday, lawmaker Mwengi Mutuse, who introduced the impeachment motion, testified in the Senate, alleging that Gachagua violated the Constitution and detailing the grounds for his motion. He characterized the deputy president’s actions as “extraordinary” misconduct warranting impeachment.
Mutuse cited Gachagua’s controversial statements that the government operates like a shareholder company, implying that only those who voted for the ruling party would receive development and services. He also accused Gachagua of amassing significant wealth through corrupt practices.
During cross-examination, Mutuse faced challenges in defending his claims. A video clip of President Ruto addressing a rally was shown, where he referred to the residents of Murang’a, a central Kenya constituency, as “major shareholders” in the government. Gachagua’s legal team questioned how the deputy president could be criticized for “assisting” the president in such statements.
The lawmaker was further pressed to explain the basis for the valuation of the wealth Gachagua is alleged to have acquired.
