Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assembled a legal team of 20 advocates, including prominent senior counsels, to defend him in Parliament and the courts as discussions about his potential removal from office begin next week.
The team, led by senior counsel Paul Muite, has been actively collaborating with Gachagua to prepare a robust defense against the 11 allegations outlined in the impeachment motion.
This development comes as Gachagua has been largely absent from public view for the past four days, with his last notable appearance being a radio address to the Kalenjin community just before the impeachment motion was presented.
Understanding the seriousness of his situation, Gachagua has recruited a diverse group of lawyers who are already working diligently on his behalf.
One of his attorneys, Victor Swanya, stated, “We have Senior Counsel Paul Muite leading the team, along with counsels Tom Macharia, Amos Kisilu, Elisha Ongoya, and others. We have thoroughly reviewed the accusations against the Deputy President and are ready to tackle them.”
Muite, who boasts over 30 years of legal and political experience, informed the media that his team is meticulously analyzing the documentation related to the case.
The lawyers convened on Saturday to strategize ahead of Gachagua’s first appearance before legislators on Tuesday.
Muite previously achieved success defending former Embu Governor Martin Wambora against an impeachment motion by arguing the lack of adequate public participation in that case.
Gachagua’s team intends to leverage a similar argument, emphasizing that the short notice given for the impeachment motion is unjust.
Swanya pointed out, “Notifying someone at night and expecting action the next day is hardly fair. Proper notice should be between 4 to 7 days.”
Additionally, Gachagua is requesting that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss recuse themselves from the proceedings, alleging bias.
Swanya remarked, “For the sake of justice, these two principal officers should step aside as this debate unfolds.”
As discussions about his potential resignation continue, Gachagua’s legal team asserts that he is committed to confronting his accusers.
Under Article 75, Clause 3 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, a state officer removed from office is permanently barred from holding any other state position.
