National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced a significant public participation initiative regarding the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
This unprecedented exercise is set to occur across all 47 counties, signaling a deepening of civic engagement in Kenya’s political landscape.
Wetang’ula informed the public that details of the participation process would be communicated through media advertisements starting October 2.
He emphasized the importance of citizen input, indicating a democratic approach to a matter of national significance.
To facilitate this public engagement, Wetang’ula declared a suspension of all parliamentary activities from October 3 to October 7.
This pause aims to allow MPs and the public alike to prepare and participate in the discussions surrounding the motion.
The House Business Committee is set to seek a resolution for this suspension, with the next parliamentary sitting scheduled for the morning of October 8, where the motion will be further debated.
Deputy President Gachagua has been invited to respond to the impeachment motion, either in person or through legal representation, during a specified session from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This invitation marks a critical moment for Gachagua, who now faces the challenge of addressing the serious allegations against him.
The motion, spearheaded by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, claims to have substantial grounds for Gachagua’s removal from office.
Wetang’ula confirmed that the motion garnered support from 291 MPs, far exceeding the required threshold of 117 lawmakers needed to advance such a proposal.
Mutuse presented a comprehensive 100-page document detailing the evidence supporting the impeachment, a move that underscores the gravity of the accusations leveled against the Deputy President.
Referencing Article 145(1) of the Constitution, Wetang’ula reiterated the legal foundation for the motion, which allows for the impeachment of a Deputy President on grounds of gross violation of the Constitution, provided there is adequate parliamentary support.
As the date for public participation approaches, political observers and citizens alike are keenly watching how this process unfolds.
