The Senate is set to conduct the impeachment trial of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday and Thursday.
According to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, the Senate could extend the hearing to Friday, October 18, should parties require additional time to interrogate documents filed and cross-examine witnesses.
He gave the directions on Wednesday after a procedural motion proposing a special committee to handle the matter flopped for lacking a seconder.
He said the plenary would handle the matter but warned Senators against disorderly conduct.
During the session, he ejected Kitui Senator Enock Wambua for heckling.
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“As this matter comes before you, I cannot underscore enough the immense public interest that this matter has elicited and for good reason.”
“This is yet another opportunity for the Senate to demonstrate its fidelity to the Constitution and to live up to its reputation,” he said.
Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyoit unsuccessfully moved a motion to install a special committee to consider the impeachment motion, with the Deputy Minority Whip declining to second.
Speaker Kingi directed Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye to send invitations to the parties involved —the Deputy President and the National Assembly—by the close of business.
He directed that the parties in the case will file their submissions by Monday.
Kingi asked Senators to refrain from discussing the matter in public.
“I wish to caution Honourable Senators to desist from publicly commenting on the merits or demerits of the impeachment Motion,” he directed.
“Doing so would amount to anticipation of debate, which is an infringement of standing order 99 of the Senate Standing Orders.”
The National Assembly concluded the matter with 282 lawmakers voting to impeach Gachagua; forty-four opposed the motion, and one abstained.
