Impeached DP Gachagua to appear before Senate plenary next week
The Senate will conduct the impeachment trial of embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday and Thursday next week in plenary sessions.
Further, Senate could extend the hearing to Friday, October 18, should parties require additional time to interrogate documents filed and cross-examine witnesses.
This is after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna who is the Minority Whip declined to second the motion to establish a special committee of 11 members to investigate the charges saying the matter is of public interest.
“This matter is immensely unique and has elicited immense public attention. Given the mood of the house and especially the minority side, I respectfully decline that motion.” He said.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot had urged the members to consider a select committee.
“I urge Members to agree with me that we elect 11 of our wisest and most trusted Senators from both sides of the House to consider this Motion.” Cheruiyot pleaded.
Following the development, the Senate Speaker said the matter will be determined by way of plenary.
“You will note that the Senate Majority Leader has moved a motion, the motion has however, failed to get a seconder, Standing Order 70 of the Senate SOs states that the question on any motion shall not be proposed unless it shall have been seconded and any motion that is not seconded shall be deemed to have been withdrawn and shall not be moved again in the same session.” Senate Speaker Amoson Kingi said in his communication to the House.
Upon further directions issued, Gachagua legal team has been directed to file responses on Monday, October 14, 2024 before the hearing commences on Wednesday, for two days with a possibility of extending to Friday.
In his communication, Kingi has assured Kenyans of the Senate’s fair trial.
“This impeachment is unique and unprecedented. This is yet another opportunity for the Senate to demonstrate its fidelity to the Constitution and to live up to its reputation…and to make a determination on this matter purely based on its merits.” The Speaker noted.
He added that the manner of disposing of this impeachment motion will not be significantly different from how the Senate has previously investigated and determined the proposed removal from office of County Governors and Deputy County Governors.
Meanwhile, the Senate has moved a procedural motion to hold sittings on Monday, October 14, 2024 and also alter the hours of the meeting on Tuesday, 15th October, 2024 in order to investigate the proposed removal from office, by impeachment of Kericho governor Erick Mutai.
