The Senate is set to begin the impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua today at 10 a.m. This comes after the court declined to stop the motion, with a three-judge bench ruling that the process should proceed. Gachagua’s last court appeal to halt the motion before it moves to the Senate has now been exhausted.
At 10 a.m., the Senate will open with preliminary sessions, including a recital of its mandate, an overview of the rules of procedure, and the hearing schedule. Lawmakers from the National Assembly, who are presenting the impeachment case, will be introduced, along with their legal counsel if present, as well as the Deputy President and his legal team.
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Eckomas Mutuse, who moved the impeachment motion, will represent the National Assembly alongside Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, JLAC Chairperson George Murugara, Homa Bay Town legislator Peter Kaluma, and Kanduyi MP John Makali.
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By 10:30 a.m., Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye will read out the charges against Gachagua and ask him to respond with either a guilty or not guilty plea. Each side will then have 30 minutes to make their opening statements.
Afterward, the marathon hearings will begin, with the National Assembly having three hours to present their case against Gachagua, followed by two hours for the Deputy President and his legal team to cross-examine his accusers.
However, the Senate has banned media from broadcasting the impeachment proceedings, adding an extra layer of confidentiality to the process. The Senate will adjourn at 7:30 p.m. and reconvene on Thursday, the final day of the impeachment hearings.
Even if the Senate votes to remove Gachagua from office, he still has a chance to appeal the decision in court. The court’s earlier ruling makes clear that Gachagua can still seek legal remedies after the Senate’s decision, keeping the door open for further legal battles.
