A petitioner has approached the court seeking an in-depth examination of the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Wambugu Wanjohi, a High Court advocate, contends that the impeachment process has instigated a serious constitutional crisis and was fundamentally flawed due to the actions of various parties involved, including Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
Wanjohi asserts that the impeachment process was expedited, infringing upon Gachagua’s constitutional right to a fair hearing, as the Senate reached its decision without his presence.
“The impeachment was fraught with blatant illegalities and procedural discrepancies, resulting in questionable rulings from the Senate Speaker.
These infractions require immediate correction to prevent further, irreparable harm,” his petition states.
He further argues that the rushed effort to remove Gachagua raises concerns about the process’s transparency, accusing Speaker Kingi and National Assembly counterpart Moses Wetangula of bias.
“Their inability to maintain impartiality jeopardizes the integrity of Kenya’s legislative and judicial frameworks.
It is crucial to address their compromised positions to restore public confidence and uphold constitutional order,” Wanjohi emphasized.
He warns that the impeachment process poses a significant risk to Kenya’s legal and political integrity and calls for the Judiciary to take prompt action to address the situation.
“If the actions of the Respondents are allowed to continue unchecked, they could lead to a complete constitutional breakdown,” he cautioned.
Gachagua was impeached by the Senate on October 17, 2024, following a vote where five of the eleven grounds for his removal were upheld.
In response, President Ruto has nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacant position.
Gachagua’s legal team has argued that the ouster was executed with ill intent, particularly as the Senate made its decision while he was hospitalized.
Gachagua maintains that he is the rightful Deputy President and is determined to fight for his position vigorously.
EACC Arrests Four Taita Taveta Officials Over Alleged Sh 7 Million Theft
