Senate Decides Deputy President Gachagua’s Fate
Gachagua, who has termed the charges as baseless, will be defended through his legal team comprising some of the most prominent lawyers.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. Photo/The Star.
By Robert Mutasi
The Senate is scheduled for today to deliberate on the impeachment of its Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said, “The Session starts with a pre-trial meeting held in camera, setting out the trial procedures, what comes first, rules of procedure, and presentation of evidence.”
This follows a heated vote in the National Assembly earlier this week, when MPs overwhelmingly supported the motion to remove Gachagua from office.
He faces charges of corruption, abusing his office, and undermining the authority of the president.
Gachagua has also been accused of accumulating questionable wealth, including a property valued at over KSh 5 billion, which he insists belonged to his late brother.
He has denied the allegations, terming them political and a ploy geared towards kicking him out of office before his term expires.
Both sides are set to make their opening statements at today’s Senate sitting with the National Assembly represented by Kibwezi West MP Mutuse Mwengi, who moved the motion for impeachment.
Gachagua, who has termed the charges as baseless, will be defended through his legal team comprising some of the most prominent lawyers.
The trial in the Senate, that is expected to take several days, will have marathon sessions with cross-examination of witnesses by both sides, as well as evidence presentations.
The impeachment represents a big political moment for Kenya, since this has never happened before to a sitting deputy president.
This outcome is closely watched at home and abroad, as it may alter the balance of power in the Kenyan government.
If the Senate votes to remove Gachagua, then it may indeed set what can be termed a very critical precedent in ensuring accountability of high-profile individuals.
The outcome of the trial is not predictable, but the stakes are very high for Gachagua and, importantly, the Ruto administration, amid potential political reverberations as the country prepares for the next elections.
About Author
