Rigathi Gachagua’s status as Deputy President of Kenya can be described as hanging on the edge.
Details have emerged that on Tuesday a motion was tabled in the National Assembly to Impeach the Deputy President who is widely accused of fuelling sectarianism and undermining the constitution.
Gachagua is reportedly not in good working terms with his boss President William Ruto whose popularity also dwindled after deadly protests across Kenya forced him to retract a controversial finance bill that proposed abnormal tax increases.
Gachagua is accused of links to violent protests earlier in the year in which Gen Z protestors over run the parliament.
“A special motion before the House presents an unprecedented constitutional moment in our democracy,” said Moses Wetang’ula the Speaker of National Assembly.
Wetang’ula confirmed that having examined it, the motion meets the requirements relating to form and threshold set out in Article 145 (1) and 150 (1)b of the constitution and standing orders 64 (1).
“I have also satisfied myself that the number of members who have appended their signatures in support of the special motion exceeds the minimum threshold of 117 members in this House,” he said.
Wetang’ula said Gachagua’s impeachment is set for Tuesday next week. Wetang’ula said Gachagua can choose to defend himself during the session or send his legal representative.
Ahead of the hearing, the National Assembly will conduct public participation from all the 47 counties on Friday.
Mutuse Mwengi, the Kibwezi West Member of Parliament is the mover of the motion. Mutuse said this was a “historic moment.”
