Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will appear in person in the National Assembly on Tuesday to defend himself against 11 grounds for his proposed removal from office.[โฆ]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLEโถ
Victor Swanya, one of Gachaguaโs key lawyers, told the Star that the DP is ready to face his accusers during the hearing of the impeachment motion against him.
Swanya said the DPโs legal team is in the final stages of finalizing its defence ahead of Tuesday’s National Assembly debate and hearing of the impeachment charges.
โWe are ready to face the Deputy Presidentโs accusers and his excellency Rigathi Gachagua will be in the National Assembly in person on Tuesday,โโ Swanya said on Monday.
The DP has been allocated time to appear before the house on Tuesday evening from 5pm for two hours to defend himself.
The National Assembly Standing Orders provide that the DP can appear in person or send legal representation to defend him during the hearing of the impeachment motion.
He can also give the hearings a wide berth although his absence will not bar MPs from processing the motion.
Gachagua faces 11 charges with his lawyers saying they have prepared a โsolid and concrete responseโโ to discount all the accusations brought by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.
โAs the legal team, we have done our part and prepared a solid and concrete response to every charge by the DPโs accusers,โโ Swanya said.
The DPโs legal team comprising of at least 25 lawyers have been burning the midnight oil going through each of the allegations and providing responses.
There are reports the team will also rely on electronic evidence including videos when defending Gachagua in the National Assembly.
MPs are expected to take a vote later on Tuesday after debating the grounds of impeachment and according Gachagua an opportunity to defend himself.
Mwengi accuses Gachagua of gross violations of the Constitution, including promoting ethnic discrimination and undermining national unity through divisive public statements.
โHis public statements promote division and undermine the core values of our Constitution, including unity and inclusiveness,โ Mwengi said when he moved his notice of motion last Tuesday.
Gachagua is accused of contradicting government policies and failing to uphold his duties as Deputy President, thus violating the principle of collective Cabinet responsibility.
โGachaguaโs unilateral remarks contradict the policies we have collectively adopted as a government, damaging our credibility,โ Mwengi said.
The motion further alleges that Gachagua interfered with devolved county functions, undermining devolution and threatening the judiciary, violating the principle of judicial independence.
โBy interfering with the operations of county governments, he has undermined the fundamental principles of devolution that empower local leadership,โ Mwengi said.
Mwengi accused Gachagua of failing to respect and defend the Constitution, while his inflammatory remarks allegedly violated the National Cohesion and Integration Act by promoting ethnic hatred.
โHis actions show a blatant disregard for the Constitution that he is sworn to uphold, putting our democratic values at risk,โ Mwengi said.
The motion also claims Gachagua engaged in corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office, violating anti-corruption laws.
โEngaging in corruption and money laundering while in office undermines public trust and violates anti-corruption laws,โ Mwengi said.
Additionally, he is accused of allegedly making false and malicious statements, breaching the Penal Code and Leadership and Integrity Act.
Lastly, the motion cites gross misconduct, including reckless attacks on the National Intelligence Service, insubordination to the President, bullying public officers, and influencing corrupt practicesโฆCLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
