The Senate hearing for Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguaโs impeachment trial has moved to its second phase, with the final verdict anticipated today, Thursday, October 17. However, before the final verdict is delivered, specific procedures must be followed during the Senate proceedings.[โฆ]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLEโถ
Gachagua’s testimony
The first stage of Thursday’s proceedings will involve Gachagua being given an opportunity to present his side of the story.
Gachagua will also be expected to present evidence in response to the 11 charges outlined in the impeachment motion presented by the National Assembly. The deputy president will be required to present his defence for approximately three hours.
Witnesses testimonies
Gachagua will also have the opportunity to present any witnesses who can support his defense against the charges brought against him.
Gachagua’s lawyers to face cross-examination
After the witnesses finish their testimonies, Gachagua’s legal team will undergo cross-examination by the National Assembly. The National Assembly and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s legal team will engage in a legal battle, aiming to challenge the evidence presented by both parties during the impeachment trial
A short break from the proceedings
After a full morning of proceedings in Gachagua’s impeachment trial, the Senate will take a break lasting one hour and thirty minutes, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The break is also intended to allow for discussions and strategising for the second phase of the impeachment trial.
Opportunity for Senate to ask questions
After hearing from both the National Assembly representatives and Gachagua’s legal team, the Senators will have the opportunity to pose questions. This will allow them to gain further clarity on the case presented at the Senate.
Closing remarks from both Gachagua’s team and the National Assembly
The National Assembly will have an opportunity to present their closing remarks, where they are expected to reiterate their grounds for the impeachment motion against Gachagua. Afterwards, Gachagua’s legal team will take the floor to defend the Deputy President against the allegations raised.
Debate on Gachagua’s impeachment
The senators will engage in a vigorous debate to deliberate on their judgment regarding Gachagua’s case before reaching a final decision.
Gachagua to know his fate via voting process
The Senators will need to decide whether to support the National Assembly’s impeachment decision against the Deputy President or to reject it. At least 45 of the 67 Senators must vote in favor of the motion for Gachagua to be impeached by the Senate.
This comes after Elisha Ongoya, one of Gachagua’s lawyers characterised the allegations against the politician as ranging from “false” to “ridiculous” and even “embarrassing.”
He examined the list of 22 companiesย mentioned by Mutuse,ย indicating that there were no significant issues with most of them.
Ongoya also challenged the assertion that Gachagua accumulated KSh 5.2 billion in wealth since assuming office in 2022, stating that Mutuse claimed to have arrived at that figure through his own calculationsโฆCLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
