Embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will have a chance to defend himself before the National Assembly decides his fate, according to Speaker Moses Wetangula....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
Wetangula announced on Tuesday evening that Gachagua has been granted two hours on October 8, 2024, to present his defense against the impeachment motion currently before Parliament.
The hearing is set for next Tuesday, following a period of public participation expected to conclude by this Friday.
Speaker Wetangula explained that Gachagua can either appear in person or be represented by a lawyer.
The impeachment motion, signed by 291 Members of Parliament, accuses Gachagua of 11 offenses, including money laundering, corruption, and using his influence for personal gain. Kenyans from all 47 counties are invited to submit their views on the matter by Friday.
MPs backed the impeachment motion after Speaker Wetangula confirmed that the 11 charges met the constitutional threshold.
Among the accusations, Gachagua is alleged to have used his two sons to launder money and conceal the proceeds of crime.
Additional charges include violations of the oath of office, illegal acquisition of property, and misleading the public on key issues.
In light of these accusations, MPs called for their heightened security. National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed urged Wetangula to work with Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja to provide protection for the 291 MPs who backed the motion.
Some members have reportedly expressed concerns about their safety, comparing the situation to the impeachment of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Dadaab MP Farah Maalim also requested that security measures be extended to President William Ruto, as he will be required to sign off on the motion if it passes.
The impeachment motion was officially presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who handed over a 100-page document detailing evidence to support his case against Gachagua. Mutuse argued that the Deputy President is unfit to hold office.
Meanwhile, President William Rutoโs silence on the matter continues to raise eyebrows.
After returning from a 10-day trip to the United States, where he attended the UN General Assembly and inspected Kenyan police operations in Haiti, the president has yet to comment publicly on the political turmoil surrounding his deputy.
Observers had expected Ruto to either defend Gachagua or distance himself from the impeachment proceedings. However, his silence has fueled speculation about his stance.
Some political analysts believe Ruto may be taking a strategic approach, allowing Parliament to handle the situation while avoiding any direct fallout that could hurt his administration.
Back in June 2024, Ruto had expressed confidence in his deputy, stating, โWakati tukipanga team nikaita wabungeโฆ Nikaona wananielekeza kwa vijana. Nikawaambia hapana, wacha nipangane na Riggy Gโฆ. Kwa sababu ni mtu ya rika yanguโฆCLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
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