NAIROBI, Kenya-Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to face an impeachment trial in the Senate next week, as Senators opted for a full plenary hearing over a special committee investigation.
The trial, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, follows a dramatic session in the Senate where efforts to form a select committee were blocked.
The decision to proceed with a plenary trial was solidified after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the Senate Minority Whip, refused to second a motion to create a special 11-member committee to handle the impeachment.
Sifuna emphasized the public interest in the case, noting, “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.”
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot had lobbied for the committee, arguing that it would allow a more focused investigation.
“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,” he said. However, without a seconder, the motion was effectively withdrawn, as per the Senate’s Standing Orders.
Following the procedural rejection of the committee, Speaker Amason Kingi announced that the impeachment trial would proceed in full plenary.
Gachagua’s legal team has been instructed to submit responses by Monday, with the hearing set to last two days, and possibly extending to Friday if necessary.
Speaker Kingi assured Kenyans of a fair trial, calling the impeachment “unique and unprecedented.” He added, “This is yet another opportunity for the Senate to demonstrate its fidelity to the Constitution and to live up to its reputation.”
The Speaker also mentioned that the trial process would mirror previous Senate proceedings for the impeachment of county governors.
Meanwhile, the Senate will also address the impeachment of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai. A procedural motion was passed to hold special sittings on Monday, October 14, and adjust the hours of the session on Tuesday, October 15, to accommodate the investigation into Governor Mutai’s proposed removal from office.
As Kenya braces for these high-stakes proceedings, the public remains keen on how the Senate will navigate these significant impeachment trials.
