Senate upholds Gachagua's impeachment

By Peter Ochieng

The Senate has upheld the impeachment motion against Rigathi Gachagua.

That means he is no longer the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, unless he gets a court order suspending the Senate decision.

Senators voted in favour of 5 of the 11 charges levelled against the former Mathira MP.

The legislatures only needed to find him guilty in one charge, so as to uphold the impeachment motion.

The motion originated from the National Assembly, having been tabled by Mwingi West MP Eckomas Mwengi Mutuse.

Gachagua becomes the first DP to be impeached, since promulgation of the 2010 constitution.

Before the vote, Senators voted against a procedural motion that sought to adjourn the hearings to Saturday, October 19, 2024, after the DP was taken ill.

The motion was moved by Senate Majority leader, Aaron Cheruiyot and supported by leader of Minority, Stewart Madzayo.

Senators however elected to proceed with the hearings, until conclusion.

As such, Gachagua's lawyers led by Paul Muite pulled out of the Senate in protest, stating that they were not willing to continue with the matter without direction from their client.

With Gachagua's hospitalisation at the Karen Hospital, National Assembly lead counsel, James Orengo requested that the sessions continue to the logical conclusion, because of time constraints.

He said the evidence submitted by the DP in writing was enough to ensure continuation of the proceedings, adding that they were ready to forfeit the cross examination part.

However, Gachagua's lead lawyer, Paul Muite pleaded that they be given time until Tuesday next week, so that the DP appears in person to defend himself, against the 11 charges levelled in the impeachment motion.

He said the Deputy President was suffering from intense chest pains, and that doctors were actively on his case.

Senators in the end decided to proceed with the session, culminating in the removal from office of Gachagua, minutes past 11pm.