Gachagua’s lawyers challenge impeachment as he gets stable in hospital

By Peter Ochieng

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has moved to court to challenge his impeachment.

Gachagua became the first second in command to be ousted from office, after Senators upheld his impeachment motion on Thursday night.

The motion, tabled by Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Eckomas Mwengi Mutuse originated from the National Assembly, with over 280 legislatures backing it.

Gachagua's legal team led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, has faulted the Senate decision to impeach him while in hospital.

The former Mathira MP was admitted at Karen Hospital in Nairobi with intense chest pains, minutes before he was expected to take to the stand at the Senate to be cross examined by National Assembly lawyers, led by Siaya governor James Orengo.

Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, one of Gachagua’s key political allies, said the former Deputy President is in a stable condition.

“Coming to the health concern of the former deputy president, let me say he is faring well and since this kind of situation arose, those experts at the health facility are the ones assuring us what the correct position is,” he told K24.

“Doctor Gikonyo, the head of Karen Hospital, has assured us that after 72 hrs things will be back to normal and that we hope that after this period he will be back. It was not possible to have a one-on-one conversation with him because of his current situation, despite that, we have his assurance,” added Gakuya.

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, stated: “We have come here to support the family and support his workers, support staff, they are crushed by the situation but we pray that he will come out of it.”

Reports indicate that his security detail has been scaled down, owing to his removal from office. President William Ruto has already nominated interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, to replace Gachagua.