Many Kenyans have come out to share in the political humiliation of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after the National Assembly voted to impeach him.[โฆ]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLEโถ
A total of 281 lawmakers voted on Tuesday, October 8, to send Gachagua home after 11 charges were listed against him.
Only 44 strived to save him.
He is now slated for a trial in the Senate, where the members of the Upper House will be reviewing each of the counts to decide his fate.
In the Senate, the deputy president’s impeachment will stand
if at least two-thirds of the senators uphold the charges against him after a seven-day session.
Reacting to the events, Kenyans were divided in opinion.
Whereas a huge chunk `believed Gachagua’s unceremonious exit from politics was nigh, a considerable section believed he could be saved either by the senators, or the court(s) if he chose to appeal the decisions of both houses of parliament.
Those with confidence in the Senate argue the lawmakers there will thoroughly prosecute the merits and demerits of the charges individually before realising their verdict.
But should the Senate seal his fate, he might have chances at the High Court if he rushes there;
The High Court, based on its prosecution of the case should it be presented, might stay Gachagua’s ouster as he serves, as seen in the cases of some impeached county governors.
“Not yet end of the road..Senate and high court hopes are still there,” said Davie.
“I like his eloquence and choice of words! He is my Man…Let’s now face the senate and Hopefully even the courts,” said Gracious Twayne.
“Impeaching a president is so easy and the Senate will also impeach him but removing a sitting DP from the office is not a walk in the park.The legislature, Executive and Judiciary are legal separate entities but the real battle will be fought in the judiciary where alot of evidence is needed for the judiciary to uphold the decision,” said Peter Gitau.
“National Assembly has primitive politicians but senate has people who has high reasoning capability they’ll secure rigy the way they secured Orengo’s deputy,” said KBJ opposer.
“To senate then court and finally he might bounce back or go by running to murima to continue spilling tea,” Annaline Chirie.
The parliament’s vote deflated Gachagua’s hopes of surviving the impeachment as the Kenya Kwanza Alliance MPs rallied enough support from their colleagues across the aisle to remove him from office.
In his final orders, National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula said the vote outcome, having attained the two-thirds, was that the House resolved to impeach the deputy president.
While moving the special motion, Kibwezi West MP Mutuse Mwengi accused Gachagua of unlawfully acquiring assets inconsistent with his salary and violating several laws, including the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
One ground for impeachment was that Gachagua was accused of undermining the president and the cabinet by making unilateral public statements that were inconsistent with the government’s policy positions.
In another ground, Gachagua allegedly committed crimes under sections 45 (1), 46, 47 (a) (3), and 48 (1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and sections 2, 3, 4, and 7 of Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering ActโฆCLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
