Speaker Wetang'ula slams Gachagua for 'preemptive defence' before impeachment debate

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula has condemned Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for addressing the media about the impeachment motion against him just a day before the scheduled debate and voting in Parliament.

The Speaker on Tuesday in his communication to the House said that Gachagua should have waited to present his defense directly before the Assembly.

"Noting that the special motion is scheduled for debate and voting today, I believe that the Deputy President ought to have exercised restraint and refrained from holding the press interview," Wetang'ula stated. He emphasised that the Deputy President had been given the opportunity to respond in line with natural justice.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua would have opted to refrain from holding the press interview, permit me to put it on record that the conduct is "abhorrent". pic.twitter.com/BWpzWFSOjD

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 8, 2024

The Deputy President is set to appear at 5 pm on Tuesday to respond to the 11 grounds of impeachment.

Wetang'ula referenced Standing Order No. 85, which prevents members from discussing motions before the House has had a chance to debate them.

He pointed out that this rule extends to non-members, particularly those affected by such motions.

DP Rigathi Gachagua addresses the media at his Karen home on Monday, October , 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor)

Addressing the house, Speaker Wetang'ula assured that Gachagua and his representatives would be given a maximum of two hours to present their case in the evening session.

He described the Deputy President's actions as "abhorrent in the light of the proceedings scheduled to commence in the House".

The DP's press conference on Monday evening lasted two hours, where he addressed the impeachment motion and denied all allegations against him.

Gachagua also explained the origins of his wealth, which has been cited in the accusations of corruption.

The DP also defended his involvement in recent events in Nairobi County, where he was accused of inciting traders against lawful directives.

He explained that his meeting with traders on September 29 was a response to their concerns about unaddressed grievances from City Hall.

"I wish to clarify and point out that when I held a public rally, I merely requested the governor of Nairobi county to speak and listen to the grievances which were being raised by the market traders. Videos will be produced tomorrow in the National Assembly," he said.