The Senate is set to deliberate on the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during plenary sessions scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2024. This comes after a tumultuous period in the National Assembly, where Gachagua was impeached by a decisive majority in a vote that reflected significant political tensions within the government.
The motion to establish a special committee for investigating Gachagua’s impeachment, proposed by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, failed to advance after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna declined to second it.
“This is a matter that is extremely unique, that has elicited immense public attention, and therefore given the mood of the house and especially the minority side, I respectfully decline to second the motion,” Sifuna stated.
According to Speaker Amason Kingi, the lack of a seconder meant that the proposal was deemed withdrawn, thereby paving the way for the Senate to conduct its investigation in plenary. “The Senate will therefore proceed with the investigation on the proposed removal from office by impeachment of H.E Rigathi Gachagua in plenary,” Kingi announced, emphasizing that this approach aligns with the established schedule for impeachment hearings.
The impeachment motion against Gachagua was passed in the National Assembly just a day prior, with 281 Members of Parliament voting in favor of the ouster. The motion, sponsored by Hon. Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), faced opposition from only 44 lawmakers, while one MP chose to abstain.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed the successful motion, noting that it garnered support from at least two-thirds of the House. “The impeachment motion has garnered the support of at least Two-Thirds of the House, and therefore DP Gachagua stands impeached,” Wetang’ula declared.
The National Assembly comprises 349 members, including 290 elected representatives, 47 women elected from counties, and 12 nominated representatives. To achieve the two-thirds majority required for impeachment, at least 233 votes were necessary, and the motion’s overwhelming support indicates significant consensus among lawmakers.
Looking ahead to the Senate hearings, Gachagua faces a critical juncture in his political career. The Senate consists of 67 members, and should at least two-thirds—45 senators—vote to uphold the impeachment charges, Gachagua would be compelled to vacate his office as stipulated by Article 145 (7) of the Kenyan Constitution.
