Senior Counsel James Orengo told the Senate that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s lawyers needed to provide proof that their client was indeed unwell. Orengo argued that the Senate was merely relying on the word of Gachagua’s lead lawyer, Paul Muite.
“Muite has not given us any explanations,” Orengo stated. “For the DP to fail to present evidence of his admission… We are just relying on what Muite is saying.”
He argued that the Deputy President should have sent a doctor to testify about his condition, noting that Gachagua had been present during the entire morning session.
“He went to his office, and there is no evidence that he was evacuated in an ambulance,” Orengo added.
“The illness of the Deputy President is affecting us more. There is no guarantee that he will appear on Tuesday. His condition might be seen as opportunistic without evidence from a doctor. This Senate must adhere to the Constitution and proceed with the trial.”
Gachagua’s impeachment trial took a sudden turn when he failed to attend the afternoon session, during which he was set to take the witness stand. Minutes after his legal team reported they couldn’t locate him, they announced they had received word that the Deputy President had fallen ill.
Muite informed the Senate that the DP had been admitted to the hospital due to severe chest pains. However, he mentioned that he was unable to speak with the DP personally, following the advice of the doctors treating him.
