Kenyans invited to present views on Gachagua’s impeachment

By Peter Ochieng

All Kenyans have been invited to present their views on the Special Motion for removal from office by impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Kenyans will have their voices heard, through public hearings to be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 across the country, from 8am to 5pm.

As such, Kenyans have been directed to express their views by visiting their respective collection centres listed in the public participation notice. Alternatively, they can submit their views online by sending them to impeachment@parliament.go.ke

The impeachment motion was tabled by Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Eckomas Mutuse Mwengi on Tuesday afternoon. The legislature was elected on the Maendeleo Chap Chap Party ticket, led by Labour Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua.

National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang'ula while giving a road-map of the impeachment process to the House, noted that public participation is an integral element of the process of removal of an elected State Officer from office.

Wetang’ula revealed that the House Business Committee had approved a program of how the exercise will be conducted.

“The House Business Committee has approved a program of public participation exercise across the country to be coordinated from 47 counties on 4th October, 2024,” said the Speaker.

The Speaker added that in accordance with requirements of articles 47 and 50 of the Constitution and Standing Order 67, Gachagua will be given an opportunity to appear before the House.

“The Deputy President shall be notified of his right to appear before the House on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 and the allocation of time between 5:00pm and 7:00pm.” National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro had sought guidance from the Speaker on how the House would incorporate public participation in the process.

“Any motion brought before this House that is of public interest must go through the entire process, including public participation,” Osoro stated.

Gachagua has severally stated that anyone seeking to remove him from office, must first get the views of Kenyans through a public participation exercise.