Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to appear before the National Assembly on Tuesday to defend himself against 11 allegations related to his proposed removal from office.
Victor Swanya, one of Gachagua’s lead attorneys, confirmed to the Star that the Deputy President is prepared to confront his accusers during the impeachment motion hearing.
Swanya noted that the legal team is in the final stages of preparing their defense ahead of Tuesday’s debate.
“We are ready to face the Deputy President’s accusers, and His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua will be present in the National Assembly on Tuesday,” he stated on Monday.
Gachagua has been allocated a two-hour window starting at 5 PM to present his defense to the Assembly.
According to the National Assembly Standing Orders, he has the option to appear in person or send legal representation, although his absence will not prevent MPs from proceeding with the impeachment motion.
The Deputy President faces 11 charges, and his lawyers assert they have crafted a “solid and concrete response” to counter the accusations put forth by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.
“As the legal team, we have prepared a robust response to each charge from the DP’s accusers,” Swanya affirmed.
The defense team, consisting of around 25 lawyers, has been diligently reviewing the allegations and developing appropriate responses.
Reports indicate they will also utilize electronic evidence, including video footage, during Gachagua’s defense in the National Assembly.
Following the debate, MPs are expected to cast their votes later on Tuesday regarding the impeachment grounds, allowing Gachagua to present his case.
MP Mwengi has accused Gachagua of significant constitutional violations, such as promoting ethnic discrimination and undermining national unity with divisive statements.
“His public comments incite division and threaten the fundamental values of our Constitution, including unity and inclusiveness,” Mwengi stated when introducing his motion last Tuesday.
The Deputy President is also accused of undermining collective Cabinet responsibility, interfering with devolved county functions, and threatening judicial independence.
Furthermore, the motion claims Gachagua has engaged in corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office, violating anti-corruption laws.
Additionally, Gachagua is alleged to have made false and malicious statements, breaching the Penal Code and the Leadership and Integrity Act.
Lastly, the motion cites gross misconduct, including reckless criticisms of the National Intelligence Service, insubordination to the President, bullying public officials, and facilitating corrupt practices.
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