DP Gachagua's date with destiny as Senate impeachment trial begins

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set for a crucial battle in the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday, facing 11 charges in an impeachment motion that could stretch over 10 hours.

This showdown comes after a defeat in the National Assembly, where 282 MPs voted against him, leaving him determined to rally support in the Senate.

Despite the political storm surrounding him, Gachagua remains resolute.

"The will of the people cannot be overturned by a few individuals," he firmly said.

The embattled DP is now looking to rally at least 23 senators to his side to counter the impeachment threat looming over him.

The situation escalated when the High Court in Nairobi declined to block the Senate from proceeding with the impeachment hearing.

The session is scheduled to commence at 9 am on Wednesday, beginning with a closed pre-hearing meeting that will last about an hour.

This meeting will lay the groundwork for the proceedings, allowing senators to discuss rules and introduce key players, including lawmakers from the National Assembly.

Prominent figures from the National Assembly will represent the impeachment motion, including Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Eckomas Mutuse, who is the motion's mover.

Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse moves his impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the National Assembly on October 8, 2024. (Photo: National Assembly)

Other notable representatives include Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, JLAC Chairperson George Murugara, Homa Bay Town legislator Peter Kaluma, and Kanduyi MP John Makali.

Following the preliminary session at 10 am, Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye will read the charges against Gachagua from 10.30 to 11 am.

He will then ask the Deputy President whether he pleads guilty or not. After this, both sides will have 30 minutes for their opening statements.

The main hearings will follow, with the National Assembly allotted three hours to present their case against Gachagua.

The Deputy President will then have two hours to cross-examine his accusers, a critical moment that could shape the outcome of the hearing.

As the day progresses, the Senate is expected to adjourn at 7:30 pm, leaving the final day of hearings scheduled for Thursday.

Gachagua's future hangs in the balance as he navigates this challenging political landscape, with the stakes higher than ever in his fight to remain in office.

The outcome of this impeachment motion could have significant implications for the Kenya Kwanza administration and the broader political dynamics in Kenya.