by Lawrence Munene
In a pivotal move, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now staring down the barrel of an impeachment process, after the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of a motion to remove him from office.
On October 8, 2024, 281 MPs backed the motion against Gachagua, with only 44 voting in his defense. The vote marks a significant turning point in the DP's political career and signals an intense legal and political battle ahead.
Grounds for Impeachment
The impeachment motion, tabled by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse on October 1, cited 11 grounds for Gachagua's removal, including alleged gross misconduct and violations of the Constitution. With 233 votes required to meet the impeachment threshold, the motion sailed through with a clear majority, leaving the Deputy President with limited options in the face of mounting political pressure.
Gachagua, however, has dismissed the move as a politically motivated witch-hunt orchestrated by his adversaries within the government. Despite the defeat in the National Assembly, the impeachment process is far from over, as the final decision now rests with the Senate.
What’s Next?
Following the vote, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula directed the Clerk to forward the impeachment documentation to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi within two days. Kingi will then convene a Senate session within seven days to deliberate on the charges. The Senate, acting as a quasi-judicial body, will either uphold or dismiss the motion.
The Deputy President’s fate now lies in the hands of the Senate, where he needs the support of at least 23 senators to defeat the motion. The Senate may form a special committee to investigate the charges further before making a final decision.
Potential Fallout
If the Senate upholds the impeachment, it would mark the end of Gachagua’s political career. According to the Constitution, an impeached public officer is barred from holding any public office in the future and would also lose retirement benefits. This reality makes the Senate deliberations critical for the embattled DP, as he fights to salvage his political future.
Gachagua’s Response
In the face of these challenges, Gachagua has turned to faith, quoting Bible verses on social media. He posted from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, urging his followers to “give thanks in all circumstances.” In another post, he cited Jeremiah 30:19, which speaks of thanksgiving and hope for future honor.
For now, all eyes are on the Senate as the country watches to see whether Gachagua can rally enough support to survive this impeachment process, or if his political career will be abruptly cut short.
While the National Assembly’s decision has pushed Gachagua closer to the brink, his final fate remains uncertain. The Senate holds the key to whether his political future is salvaged or sealed, making the upcoming days crucial for the embattled Deputy President who has vowed to fight till the end.
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