Senate Set to Debate Gachagua’s Future

Senate Set to Debate Gachagua’s Future
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Deputy President Gachagua Awaits Senate’s Decision Amid Impeachment Threat


Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now looking to the courts for help as senators prepare to discuss his impeachment motion on Wednesday. Gachagua, who is fighting to retain his position, expressed hope on Sunday that “the will of the people cannot be overturned by a few representatives.”

Speaking publicly for the first time since Members of Parliament endorsed the motion for his removal, Gachagua emphasized his belief that the courts will address the issue of his potential removal once it reaches that stage. He urged the legislature to respect the people’s choice, asserting that he was elected alongside President William Ruto, and thus it is unjust for him to be targeted for removal.

During his address at a Sunday service at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Embu, Gachagua commended the judiciary for its commitment to fairness in decision-making. He stated that the courts would uphold the will of the people, adding that “a good country is governed on the principles of respect for the rule of law.”

Gachagua expressed confidence in the independence of the judiciary, saying, “I respect the independence of the judiciary. I am certain that the courts will uphold their independence, protect the constitution, and respect the will of the people.” He remarked that the courts function effectively and that judges are committed to protecting the constitution, ensuring the rule of law, and respecting the will of the people.

The Deputy President made these statements during a service celebrating the 34th anniversary of the ACK Diocese of Embu. He praised the 44 Members of Parliament who voted against the impeachment motion, which was sponsored by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, and urged leaders to listen to the wishes of citizens.

He called on Kenyans to pray for him and the nation amid rising political tension following last week’s passage of the impeachment motion. Gachagua urged the public to remain calm and refrain from speculating about the Senate’s forthcoming decision on the motion.

Accompanied by his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, Gachagua noted that he is prepared for any decision from the Senate. He was joined by several leaders, including Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, Embu Women Representative Pamela Njoki Njeru, and several senators and former members of Parliament.

On Wednesday, the National Assembly, led by MP Mutuse, is scheduled to present its case before the Senate at noon. The Assembly will submit its evidence and witnesses until 4:30 PM, followed by Gachagua’s lawyers who will cross-examine the witnesses for two hours until 6:30 PM. Afterwards, senators will have one hour to ask questions and seek clarifications before the first day’s proceedings conclude.

Mutuse and the National Assembly plan to present witnesses, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Cabinet Secretary Mercy Wanjau, and former acting KEMSA CEO Andrew Mulwa.

Gachagua will be represented by a team of lawyers led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite. Others on his legal team include Victor Swanya, George Wandati, Faith Waigwa, Elisha Ongoya, Ndegwa Njiru, George Sakimpa, Murigi Kamande, Amos Kisilu, Tom Macharia, and Julia Omwamba.

Conversely, the National Assembly has also hired a team of lawyers led by Senior Counsel Paul Nyamodi, who will be assisted by Eric Gumbo, Kipkogei Moses Kipkemboi, Muthomi Thiankolu, Peter Wanyama, Melly Kennedy Kipkoech, Joan Jeruto, Muriuki Eric Mwirigi, Mwereru Boniface Mawira, and Ondago Kevine Otieno.

Gachagua faces 11 charges, including defying a Cabinet decision to remove people who had built homes within 30 meters of riverbanks in Nairobi County. This action violated the principle of collective responsibility for members of the Cabinet.

He is also accused of interfering with Nairobi County’s plans to relocate traders from the Farmers’ Market to a new market on Kangundo Road in Embakasi East constituency.

On Thursday morning, it will be Gachagua’s turn to defend himself against all the charges presented by the National Assembly. During his presentation, which will begin at 9 AM, Gachagua will provide evidence and call witnesses until 1 PM. It is reported that the Deputy President plans to present several witnesses, although his lawyers have declined to disclose their names or the number of witnesses.

One hour will be allocated for questioning Gachagua’s witnesses, a process that will continue until 3:30 PM. After that, senators will have one hour to ask questions and seek clarifications.

Two hours will be reserved for closing statements from both sides before a full debate commences at 12:30 PM. This debate is expected to be lively and contentious, continuing until 2:30 PM, after which there will be a break for voting.

Gachagua will officially be removed from office if at least 45 out of 57 senators vote to approve one of the 11 charges against him.

Summary of Impeachment Proceedings


Date Activity
Wednesday National Assembly presents its case to the Senate at noon
4:30 PM Submission of evidence and witnesses until this time
6:30 PM Cross-examination of witnesses by Gachagua’s lawyers
Thursday 9 AM Gachagua presents his defense and witnesses
1 PM Conclusion of Gachagua’s testimony
3:30 PM Senators question Gachagua’s witnesses
12:30 PM Debate begins on the impeachment motion
2:30 PM Voting commences on Gachagua’s potential removal

Key Charges Against Gachagua


Charge No. Description
1 Defying Cabinet decision to remove illegal structures near rivers in Nairobi
2 Interfering with Nairobi County’s plans to relocate traders from Farmers’ Market to a new location

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