Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now relying on the courts for support as senators prepare to deliberate on his impeachment motion this Wednesday.
Gachagua, who has stood firm amidst the political storm surrounding him, expressed hope on Sunday that “the will of the people cannot be overturned by a few representatives.”
Speaking publicly for the first time since the National Assembly passed the motion to oust him, the former Mathira MP expressed confidence that the court would address his removal when the matter reaches them.
He urged Parliament to respect the people’s choice, asserting that he was elected on the same ticket as President William Ruto and therefore should not be targeted for removal.
Praising the Judiciary for upholding justice in its decisions, Gachagua expressed his belief that the courts would respect the people’s will, adding that “a good country is governed on the principles of respect for the rule of law.”
“I respect the independence of the Judiciary. I am confident that the courts will maintain their independence, uphold the Constitution, and protect the people’s will,” Gachagua stated.
“Our courts work well. Judges safeguard the Constitution, ensure the rule of law, and always make sure that the people’s will is respected. I am assured that the rule of law will be upheld and the people’s will maintained,” he added.
Gachagua spoke during a Sunday service at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Embu Diocese, marking the 34th anniversary of the diocese’s establishment.
While commending the 44 MPs who voted against the motion sponsored by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, the Deputy President urged leaders to listen to the people’s demands.
He appealed to Kenyans to pray for him and the nation as political tensions rise following the National Assembly’s approval of the impeachment motion last week.
Additionally, he urged Kenyans to remain calm without discussing the Senate’s upcoming decision on the motion.
Accompanied by his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, Gachagua stated that he is prepared for any outcome from the Senate.
He was joined by several leaders, including Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, Embu Women Representative Pamela Njoki Njeru (also known as Double N), Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), George Koimburi (Juja), Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, former Laikipia Women Representative Cate Waruguru, and various councilors.
On Wednesday, the National Assembly, led by Mutuse, will present its case before the Senate around 12 p.m.
The Assembly will present its evidence and witnesses until 6:30 p.m. Gachagua’s lawyers will then cross-examine these witnesses for two hours until 8:30 p.m.
Subsequently, senators will have one hour to ask questions and seek clarification before the day’s proceedings conclude.
Mutuse and the National Assembly plan to call Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Chief Secretary Mercy Wanjau, and former KEMSA Acting CEO Andrew Mulwa as their witnesses.
Gachagua will be represented by a team of lawyers led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite.
Other members of his legal team include Victor Swanya, George Wandati, Faith Waigwa, Elisha Ongoya, Ndegwa Njiru, George Sakimpa, Murigi Kamande, Amos Kisilu, Tom Macharia, and Julia Omwamba.
Conversely, the National Assembly has also retained the services of a legal team led by Senior Counsel Paul Nyamodi.
Nyamodi will be assisted by Eric Gumbo, Kipkogei Moses Kipkemboi, Muthomi Thiankolu, Peter Wanyama, Melly Kennedy Kipkoech, Joan Jeruto, Muriuki Eric Mwirigi, Mwereru Boniface Mawira, and Ondago Kevine Otieno.
Gachagua faces 11 charges, including defying a cabinet decision to evict individuals living within 30 meters of riverbanks in Nairobi County.
By doing so, the Deputy President violated the collective accountability principle of Cabinet members.
He is also accused of interfering with Nairobi County’s plans to relocate traders from Wakulima Market to a new market along Kangundo Road in Embakasi East.
On Thursday morning, it will be Gachagua’s turn to defend himself against all the charges directed at him by the National Assembly.
In a presentation starting at 9 a.m., Gachagua will present evidence, alongside witnesses, until noon.
Reports indicate that the Deputy President will present several witnesses, but his lawyers have withheld their identities and the number of witnesses.
One hour will be allocated for questioning Gachagua’s witnesses, a process that will continue until 3:30 p.m.
After that, senators will have one hour to ask questions and seek clarification.
Two hours will be dedicated for closing statements from both sides before a full debate begins at 6:30 p.m.
The anticipated debate is expected to feature heated exchanges and intense arguments until around 8:30 p.m., followed by a voting period.
Gachagua will be officially removed from office if at least 45 out of 57 senators vote to approve any of the 11 charges against him.
