National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's recent television interview, describing it as inappropriate and violating parliamentary rules.
Wetangula's remarks resulted from an impeachment debate that could potentially end Gachagua’s political career.
The Speaker expressed concern over the Deputy President's decision to discuss a motion currently before Parliament, labeling the conduct “abhorrent.”
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Wetangula highlighted that Standing Order 85 of the National Assembly prohibits members from preempting debates on motions that have been formally introduced, a rule that he noted applies to Gachagua despite him not being an MP.
According to Wetangula, the standing orders extend to non-members directly involved in ongoing parliamentary proceedings, urging Gachagua to exercise more caution.
The Speaker stressed the importance of respecting parliamentary processes, particularly when sensitive matters like impeachment are concerned.
He noted that while Gachagua had been allowed to defend himself before Parliament, the timing and nature of the interview undermined the decorum expected of someone in his position.
Wetangula also remarked that with the impeachment debate and vote scheduled for that day, it would have been prudent for Gachagua to avoid media engagements.
The controversy stems from an interview Gachagua gave the day before, in which he dismissed the allegations behind the impeachment motion as politically motivated.
He claimed the accusations were part of a broader effort to tarnish his reputation and remove him from office.
Gachagua also condemned the impeachment proceedings, calling them an attempt to oust a democratically elected leader based on unfounded allegations.
