Public participation for Gachagua’s impeachment motion set for Friday across all counties

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced that public participation regarding the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024, across all 47 counties.

In a session on Tuesday, Wetang’ula emphasised the importance of the process, stating that public participation is a key element in the removal of an elected state officer from office.

“At the very outset, permit me to note that it would be absurd for any person to imagine that a motion such as the one presently before the House may be included without the participation of the public. I am indeed persuaded that public participation is an integral element of the process of removal of an elected state officer from office,” he said.

“Having reiterated the centrality of public participation in the process, how then shall the public participate in the consideration of the special motion? In answering this question, the House Business Committee has addressed this issue during its meeting this afternoon and approved a programme of public participation across the country to be coordinated from the 47 counties.”

The Speaker added that the Clerk of the National Assembly would communicate the full details of the public participation exercise through media advertisements starting on October 2, 2024.

To facilitate the public participation process, Wetang’ula said the House Business Committee would seek a resolution to suspend the house sittings from Thursday, October 3, 2024, to Monday, October 7, 2024, to allow for administrative arrangements.

He further stated that DP Gachagua has the right to appear for trial on October 8, 2024, either in person or through legal counsel to defend himself.

“Standing Order 67 obligates the House to allow the Deputy President to be heard either in person, through a representative or both. Further, the House is under an obligation to accord the DP the right to fair administrative action under Article 47 and the right to a fair hearing under Article 50,” Wetang’ula said.

“The DP is entitled to appear before the House in person through a legal representative or both during consideration of the motion. Noting that the special motion shall be considered on October 8, 2024, I have directed that the DP be notified of his right to appear on the said date and the allocation of time from 5 pm to 7 pm.”

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, a morning sitting will be held, followed by an early afternoon session to consider the impeachment motion.

Wetang’ula also reassured Members of Parliament regarding their safety during this critical period.

"As Chair of the Parliamentary Service Commission, I assure all members that, in addition to the existing security arrangements, further measures will be considered if necessary, in consultation with the National Police Service," he said.

He urged both MPs and the public to recognise the gravity of the process ahead.

"I urge each one of us and the public to truly grasp the magnitude of the unprecedented journey the House is about to undertake,” he said.