Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to appear in person before the National Assembly on Tuesday to defend himself against 11 grounds for his proposed removal from office. Victor Swanya, one of Gachagua’s key lawyers, confirmed to *The Star* that the Deputy President is prepared to confront his accusers during the impeachment motion hearing.
Swanya noted that the legal team is in the final stages of preparing their defense ahead of the National Assembly debate and hearing. “We are ready to face the Deputy President’s accusers, and His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua will be in the National Assembly in person on Tuesday,” he stated on Monday.
Gachagua has been allocated time to appear before the House on Tuesday evening from 5 PM for a duration of two hours to present his defense. According to the National Assembly Standing Orders, the Deputy President can choose to appear in person or send legal representation, and while he could opt not to attend, his absence would not prevent MPs from processing the motion.
Facing 11 charges, Gachagua’s legal team asserts they have prepared a “solid and concrete response” to counter all accusations made by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse. Swanya stated, “As the legal team, we have done our part and prepared a solid and concrete response to every charge by the DP’s accusers.”
The legal team, comprising at least 25 lawyers, has been meticulously reviewing each allegation and crafting their responses. Reports suggest they will also utilize electronic evidence, including videos, during Gachagua’s defense in the National Assembly.
Following the debate on the impeachment grounds, MPs are expected to take a vote later on Tuesday, allowing Gachagua the opportunity to defend himself. Mwengi accuses Gachagua of gross violations of the Constitution, including promoting ethnic discrimination and undermining national unity through divisive public statements.
“His public statements promote division and undermine the core values of our Constitution, including unity and inclusiveness,” Mwengi stated when he moved his notice of motion last Tuesday. Gachagua is also accused of contradicting government policies and failing to uphold his duties as Deputy President, thereby violating the principle of collective Cabinet responsibility.
“Gachagua’s unilateral remarks contradict the policies we have collectively adopted as a government, damaging our credibility,” Mwengi stated. The motion further alleges that Gachagua interfered with devolved county functions, undermining devolution and threatening the judiciary, thus violating the principle of judicial independence.
“By interfering with the operations of county governments, he has undermined the fundamental principles of devolution that empower local leadership,” Mwengi added.
Mwengi accused Gachagua of failing to respect and defend the Constitution, asserting that his inflammatory remarks allegedly violated the National Cohesion and Integration Act by promoting ethnic hatred. “His actions show a blatant disregard for the Constitution that he is sworn to uphold, putting our democratic values at risk,” Mwengi emphasized.
The motion also claims Gachagua engaged in corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office, which are violations of anti-corruption laws. “Engaging in corruption and money laundering while in office undermines public trust and violates anti-corruption laws,” Mwengi noted.
Additionally, Gachagua is accused of making false and malicious statements, breaching both the Penal Code and the Leadership and Integrity Act. Finally, the motion cites gross misconduct, including reckless attacks on the National Intelligence Service, insubordination to the President, bullying of public officers, and influencing corrupt practices.
