National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has given the green light to the impeachment process of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, affirming that the motion meets the constitutional and parliamentary requirements. During the National Assembly session on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Wetang’ula confirmed that the notice of motion, filed by MP Eckomas Mutuse, had garnered the necessary support of over 117 MPs.
Wetang’ula stated, “I find that the proposed special motion by Hon. Eckomas Mutuse meets the requirement of Articles 145(1) and 150(1)(b) of the Constitution and Standing Order No. 64 and 65 regarding form, threshold, and grounds necessary for a member to move a special motion for the removal from office by impeachment of the Deputy President.”
Following this approval, Mutuse now has three parliamentary sitting days to give formal notice of the motion to the house. Mutuse described this as a “historic moment,” revealing that 291 members had appended their signatures to support the motion, which consists of nearly 100 pages.
The grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment are extensive and include:
1. Gross violation of the constitution – Accused of making remarks that discriminate against and exclude sections of Kenya from equal opportunities in public service appointments and resource allocations.
2. Undermining the president’s directives – Alleged failure to follow or directly opposing President William Ruto’s directives.
3. Interference with the Nairobi County government – Accused of disrupting the smooth governance of Nairobi.
4. Attack on Lady Justice Esther Maina – For allegedly making inflammatory remarks against Justice Maina, who ruled on freezing Gachagua’s Ksh200 million.
5. Unexplained wealth accumulation – Claims that Gachagua amassed Ksh5 billion in wealth, acquiring properties like Outspan Hotel (Ksh535 million), Treetops Hotel, Olive Gardens Hotel, Queensgate Serviced Apartments, and Vipingo Beach Resort in Kilifi.
6. Economic crimes – Allegations of misusing his office for financial gain.
7. Threats to National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji – Accused of intimidating the NIS director.
8. Bullying state and public officers – Accusations of coercing government officials.
The formal tabling of this motion sets the stage for a critical debate and potential vote in the National Assembly regarding Gachagua’s fate as Deputy President.
