Nyali MP denounces Gachagua impeachment, terms it a malicious move

Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali has disassociated himself from the motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, describing the move as ill-conceived.

Taking to his X account on Tuesday, the MP clarified that he does not support the proposed impeachment.

"I have carefully read the charges in the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In good faith, I do not support this cause of action and find it ill-intentioned, seeking to demonise a public servant who has contributed immensely to this great country,” Mohammed said.

This came a few hours after Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse tabled a notice of motion to impeach the Deputy President.

Mutuse, who drafted the motion, has accused Gachagua of 11 charges, including gross violations of the Constitution, misconduct, and breaches of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, along with the Leadership and Integrity Act.

A total of 291 MPs have signed the motion supporting Gachagua's removal based on the charges levelled against him. However, Mohammed clarified that he is not among those in favour of the Deputy President's ouster.

“Let it be known that I did not sign the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.

The motion will undergo further debate by Members of Parliament before a final vote is taken. If a third of the 349-member National Assembly—approximately 233 MPs—votes in favour of the impeachment, Gachagua will be removed from office.

I have carefully read the charges in the impeachment motion against Deputy President @rigathi . In good faith, I do not support this cause of action and find it ill- intentioned seeking to demonize a Public Servant who has contributed immensely to this great country.

Let it be… pic.twitter.com/Deqq7B8yb3

— Mohammed Ali, HSC (@MohaJichoPevu) October 1, 2024

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has scheduled the impeachment hearing for Tuesday, October 8, during which Gachagua may appear either in person, through legal representation, or both to respond to the charges.

In the meantime, Wetang’ula announced that public participation in the impeachment process will take place on Friday, October 4, emphasising its importance.

“It would be absurd for anyone to imagine that a motion such as the one presented before the House may be concluded without the participation of the public. I’m indeed persuaded that public participation is an integral element of the process of removing an elected state officer from office,” Wetang’ula said.

The public engagement will be organised across the country and coordinated through the 47 counties, as approved by the House Business Committee.