Willis Otieno, the Deputy Party Leader of the Safina Party and a legal expert, has expressed strong disapproval of the impeachment proceedings against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, labeling them as unfair and procedurally flawed.
During his appearance on Citizen TV’s Daybreak Show, Otieno contended that the Senate failed to provide Gachagua an opportunity to defend himself before rushing to judgment.
He pointed out that the senators rejected a motion to postpone the trial to Saturday after Gachagua was hospitalized at Karen Hospital, preventing him from taking the witness stand.
“The senators acted as if they had already decided the outcome.
They could have easily reconvened the trial to allow Gachagua to present his defense,” Otieno remarked, questioning the fairness of the proceedings.
Otieno emphasized that the constitutional timelines should not overshadow an individual’s right to be heard.
“By denying someone in a hospital the chance to appear, the Senate has fundamentally erred.
The right to defend oneself is paramount and cannot be infringed upon,” he asserted.
Furthermore, he suggested that Gachagua has become a scapegoat for the actions of President William Ruto, indicating that the former Deputy President’s fate was predetermined.
Otieno argued that both Ruto and Gachagua should have faced impeachment motions simultaneously, considering their close political ties.
“If Gachagua is accused of fostering national disunity, then Ruto must also be held accountable.
His senior appointments are heavily weighted toward his own ethnic group,” he stated.
Addressing the issue of wealth distribution, Otieno alleged that Ruto’s financial gains over the years are disproportionate to his official salary as Deputy President and now as President.
“Ruto’s wealth accumulation cannot be justified solely by his government salary. He has amassed significant riches,” he claimed.
Otieno also acknowledged that Gachagua’s previous comments contributed to his downfall, suggesting that he was merely trying to please his political superiors.
“If accountability were truly the goal, motions should have been filed against both Ruto and Gachagua.
While Gachagua may not be without fault his remarks have often been inflammatory he is not the only one who should face consequences,” Otieno added.
Following Gachagua’s removal, as announced in an official gazette notice, President Ruto has nominated Kithure Kindiki, the current Interior Cabinet Secretary, to take over as Deputy President, pending approval from the National Assembly.
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