In what is being described as a landmark moment in Kenya’s parliamentary history, the National Assembly started deliberating on the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described the forthcoming proceedings as an “unprecedented occasion,” calling for the full participation of all National Assembly members.
Addressing the House regarding the impending impeachment, Speaker Wetang’ula stressed the gravity of the moment and urged all MPs to be present and actively involved in the Special Motion proceedings.
“This is an extraordinary occasion that demands the presence and engagement of every Member of the House,” he stated, emphasizing the magnitude of the event.
Wetangula: Impeachment the most critical item
In line with Standing Order 68, the Speaker said, that the Motion for the removal of a State Officer takes precedence over all other Business, making it the most critical item on the Order Paper.
This means that once the impeachment proceedings begin, all other legislative matters, including Committee meetings, domestic duties, and even international engagements, will be set aside.
“Consequently, the consideration of the Special Motion shall take priority over all activities of the House, whether domestic or foreign,” declared Speaker Wetang’ula, signalling that Parliament’s full attention will be devoted to the impeachment process until its conclusion.
This directive effectively halts other parliamentary Business, reflecting the seriousness with which the House views the Motion to impeach the Deputy President.
Gachagua’s impeachment: Emotions high
In the weeks leading up to the scheduled Motion, political tensions have been rising, with both supporters and critics of Deputy President Gachagua engaging in public discourse over the merits and timing of the impeachment.
The National Assembly’s leadership is expected to provide further logistical details on how the proceedings will unfold, ensuring MPs have sufficient time to deliberate on the allegations put forth by Kibwezi West MP Eckomas Mwengi Mutuse who has presented 11 charges against the Deputy President, seeking his removal from office.
As the nation awaits with bated breath, all eyes remain on the National Assembly as it embarks on this unprecedented constitutional process.
