The Senate will convene on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, to deliberate on charges related to the proposed impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This session follows a formal notice issued in line with Article 145(3)(a) of the Constitution and Senate Standing Order 78(1).
The session, starting at 9:30 a.m., will focus on the impeachment proceedings against Gachagua. The Senate will hear the charges, and a special committee may be appointed to investigate them. Gachagua or his representative will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Should at least two-thirds of the Senate members vote to uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will be removed from office.
The Senate’s meeting comes just hours after the National Assembly impeached the Deputy President following a lengthy debate. In a historic vote on Tuesday evening, 281 MPs supported the impeachment motion, 44 opposed it, and one abstained.
The motion, introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, listed 11 charges against Gachagua. These include gross violations of the Constitution, undermining the President and the Cabinet, compromising judicial independence by publicly attacking a judge, inciting public unrest, committing economic crimes, making divisive and malicious remarks, publicly defying the President, and bullying state and public officers.