NAIROBI, Kenya – A special session of the Senate has been convened for October 9th, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. to hear charges related to the proposed impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to a Kenya Gazette notice issued on October 9th, 2024, by Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi, the sitting will address the charges leading to Gachagua’s removal from office.
This development follows a vote in the National Assembly on October 8th, where 282 Members of Parliament (MPs) supported the motion for Gachagua’s impeachment.
The Senate is now tasked with examining the evidence and determining whether the impeachment will proceed.
The proceedings will be closely watched, as they could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape.
The Special Motion, introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, outlined 11 charges against the Deputy President, including gross violation of the Constitution, undermining the President and the Cabinet, undermining Devolution, and compromising judicial independence by publicly attacking a judge.
Additional accusations included making inciteful statements, committing economic crimes, spreading false, malicious, divisive, and inciteful remarks, publicly insubordinating the President, and persistently bullying State and public officers.
The charges, underpinned by constitutional provisions, are expected to center on allegations of misconduct and violations of the law, although the specifics have yet to be disclosed.
The Senate will now hear the charges and may appoint a special committee to investigate them, where Gachagua or his representative can respond to the allegations.
If at least two-thirds of the senate vote to uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will be dismissed.
