Speaker Kingi Expels Wiper Senator From Chambers During Gachagua Hearing
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi expelled Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua from the chambers on Wednesday for his conduct during the impeachment debate against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The Speaker expelled the lawmaker from the chamber for yelling, just as Meru Senator Kathure Murungi rose to speak on whether the case against the Deputy President should be referred to a select committee or the entire plenary.
“This is my direction, Senator Wambua, which Standing Order are you standing on? Senator Wambua leave the chamber now for the rest of the day. We need to be orderly in this matter, you need to behave in an orderly manner Senator Wambua,” Kingi ordered.
Senator Enoch Wambua kicked out of Senate chambers during hearing of DP Gachagua impeachment. pic.twitter.com/N8vyuCXIAZ
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) October 9, 2024
Following his directive to Wambua, Kingi warned other Senators about misbehavior, stating that he would not hesitate to expel any other lawmaker who behaved in an unparliamentary manner.
“We need to be orderly in this matter as we are going to handle a very heavy matter, we cannot have any member heckling the Speaker,” Kingi ordered.
Wambua got into trouble with the Speaker when he insisted that members had to be given assurance that justice would be served in the impeachment hearing.
“The whole country is looking up to the Senate for justice to be seen to be done, therefore, it is time to demonstrate real leadership,” Wambua stated.
“It is my prayer that we will be given ample time to prosecute this impeachment so that we avoid a situation like the one that happened during Kawira’s case impeachment.”
Enoch Wambua:: Mr Speaker you have given assurances that both parties will have sufficient time to prosecute cases. Let that assurance also go out that the judges sitting on this matter that they will also have sufficient time to reason to caucus and steer this thing properly. pic.twitter.com/kkVKQXtn44
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) October 9, 2024
“Mr Speaker you have given assurances that both parties will have sufficient time to prosecute cases. Let that assurance also go out that the judges sitting on this matter that they will also have sufficient time to reason to caucus and steer this thing properly,” he added.
According to Kingi, the Senators needed to maintain decorum during the debate due to its intensity and global traction.
“Honourable Senators, the process we are about to take is very important as the nation is watching, the world is also watching, decorum is the least that will be expected for members,” he added.
These came as Kingi issued directives that the impeachment hearing would last two days rather than the constitutionally required 11 days in order for the Senate to deliver the verdict on time.
The Speaker directed the Senator to speak about the impeachment hearings within two days.
He also stated that the lawmakers would be impartial during the hearing and that each party would be given an equal opportunity.
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“Honourable Senators I have directed that this matter be heard within two days, but one thing that I want to assure the country that the Senate is going to do justice in this matter and that each party will be granted justice,” Kingi asserted.
The Senate also ruled that the impeachment motion against Rigathi will be heard by the full house.
This comes after Nairobi Senator Sifuna moved to oppose a motion by the majority leader Aaron Cheruyiot to have a select committee handle the matter.
“This is a matter that is very unique and has elicited public attention. Therefore, given the mood of the house especially on the minority side, I respectfully decline to second that motion,” Sifuna told the house.
Speaker Kingi Expels Wiper Senator From Chambers During Gachagua Hearing
