Speaker Wetang'ula Rebukes DP Gachagua for Pre-emptive Impeachment Defence

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has publicly criticised Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for prematurely addressing the grounds for his impending impeachment.

The censure comes just a day before the scheduled debate and voting in the National Assembly, with Wetang'ula emphasizing that Gachagua should have reserved his defence for the formal proceedings. The Speaker highlights that Gachagua is slated to appear before the House on Tuesday at 5 pm to respond to 11 impeachment grounds. Wetang'ula stresses the importance of adhering to parliamentary procedures, citing Standing Order No. 85, which prohibits the anticipation of debate on motions for which notice has been given. He extends this interpretation to include non-members, particularly those directly affected by such motions.

Gachagua's actions are deemed "abhorrent" by Wetang'ula, given the imminent commencement of proceedings in the House. The Speaker has announced that the Deputy President and his representatives would be granted a maximum of two hours to present their case during the evening session. The controversy stems from Gachagua's two-hour national address on Monday, during which he vehemently denied all allegations against him and provided explanations for his wealth accumulation. He also defended his interactions with Nairobi traders, framing them as a response to unaddressed grievances rather than interference in county affairs.

The impeachment motion, introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, encloses serious accusations including making inflammatory remarks, undermining President William Ruto and the Cabinet, meddling in Nairobi County governance, criticizing High Court Judge Esther Maina, and engaging in bullying behaviour. Additionally, Gachagua faces allegations of corrupt acquisition of assets using public funds, with properties reportedly spread across multiple counties. The motion has garnered substantial support, with reports indicating that 302 members of parliament had endorsed the impeachment as of Sunday.

If successful in the National Assembly, the motion will proceed to the Senate for further deliberation. A two-thirds majority in the Senate would result in Gachagua's removal from office, potentially making him the first Deputy President in Kenya's history to be impeached. In response to the allegations, Gachagua has dismissed them as baseless fabrications, asserting that none of the accusations constitute a violation of the constitution or gross misconduct. He has firmly rejected calls for his resignation, citing his election by 7.2 million Kenyans as justification for remaining in office.