Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assembled a legal team of 20 advocates, including senior counsels, to defend him in both parliament and court, as his proposed removal from office is set to be considered by the House next week. The team, led by senior counsel Paul Muite, has been meeting with Gachagua to prepare a strong defense against the 11 charges in the impeachment motion.
Gachagua, who has been absent from public view for about four days both online and offline, last made a public appearance during a radio address to the Kalenjin community on the eve of the tabling of his impeachment. Fully aware of the seriousness of his situation, Gachagua has enlisted a team of experienced lawyers who are already at work and assert that their client is ready to fight the charges.
One of his lawyers, Victor Swanya, confirmed the legal team's preparation, stating: “We have Senior Counsel Paul Muite leading the team, along with Tom Macharia, Amos Kisilu, Elisha Ongoya, and others. We’ve reviewed the accusations against the Deputy President, and we are ready to address them.”
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Paul Muite, a veteran lawyer with over 30 years of legal and political experience, told Citizen TV that the team is closely analyzing the documentation provided. The legal team met on Saturday to strategize ahead of Gachagua's expected appearance before the legislators on Tuesday.
Muite, who previously successfully defended former Embu Governor Martin Wambora in an impeachment case, argued in that instance that proper public participation was not followed, a defense Gachagua’s team is likely to use again.
According to Swanya, the notice period for Gachagua’s impeachment motion is inadequate, stating, “Notices should be reasonable, typically between 4-7 days, but this was done overnight.”
In addition to challenging the impeachment process, Gachagua’s team is also seeking to have National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and his deputy Gladys Boss recuse themselves from the proceedings, alleging they have shown bias in the matter. “For justice to prevail, the two key officers should step aside as the debate proceeds,” Swanya added.
Despite calls for Gachagua to step down for self-preservation, his legal team insists he is determined to face his accusers. The stakes are high, as Article 75 (3) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 bars any State officer removed from office from holding any future State positions.
