Kenya’s Senate Reveals Schedule For DP Gachagua Defence Time
The Senate Clerk reveals the schedule for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, October 17th.
Gachagua will have four hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to present his evidence against the impeachment grounds, with another session in the afternoon for cross-examination.
During this time, Gachagua’s lawyers will also have the opportunity to call witnesses to the stand, whom he believes will help him keep his job.
His legal team claims they have several witnesses lined up but has not revealed their names.
Senators will have the opportunity to question and clarify the DP’s presentation after which he will call on his team to make their final submission for an hour.
Mode of hearing of the motion for impeachment of H.E. @rigathi EGH, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya pic.twitter.com/EzS2V2x3oH
— Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi, EGH. (@HonAmasonKingi) October 9, 2024
The National Assembly team will have a similar time to deliver their closing remarks. The voting session is expected to begin at around 7:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, the National Assembly team led by the motion’s mover, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, will have the same amount of time as the DP to prosecute their case, which will include several witnesses taking the stand.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, and former acting KEMSA CEO Andrew Mulwa have lined up to defend the impeachment motion.
Already, legal teams from both sides are reviewing the fine print in their responses.
Gachagua’s team had already announced the appointment of 20 lawyers, led by experienced Senior Counsel Paul Muite and other top lawyers.
The National Assembly has also formed an equally formidable defence team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Nyamodi.
The others are: Eric Gumbo, Kipkogei Moses Kipkemboi, Dr. Muthomi Thiankolu, Peter Wanyama, Melly Kennedy Kipkoech, Joan Jeruto, Muriuki Eric Mwirigi, Mwereru Boniface Mawira, and Ondago Kevine Otieno.
Attorney General Dorcas Oduor says her role is advisory.
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The Constitutional 10-day period to resolve the matter has already begun.
The members are rushing to beat the deadline if Gachagua is removed from office by 45 Senators who support the motion.
Article 149 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 states that; “within fourteen days after a vacancy in the office of Deputy President arises, the President shall nominate a person to fill the vacancy, and the National Assembly shall vote on the nomination within sixty days after receiving it.”
If Gachagua can get 23 Senators to oppose his impeachment motion, it will be defeated and he will return to his office.
Kenya’s Senate Reveals Schedule For DP Gachagua Defence Time