Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu speaks on DP Gachagua's impeachment

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu has waded into the ongoing impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a video seen by The Eastleigh Voice on Thursday, Mwilu stated that Gachagua’s impeachment is not a unique occurrence, but rather a constitutional process.

She emphasised that the ongoing impeachment hearing is a structured application of Kenya's Constitution and not an arbitrary action.

"The impeachment process that is ongoing regarding our Deputy President is not unique. It's an application of the Constitution," Mwilu said.

Her comments follow widespread analyses claiming that this is the first impeachment motion against a sitting deputy president, which many believed has set a precedent.

The Deputy Chief Justice, however, assured that should the case return to the Judiciary after the Senate hearing, it will be managed according to legal guidelines.

"We cannot go outside the Constitution or the law," she affirmed.

The impeachment trial, which began on Wednesday following the National Assembly's approval, involves 11 charges against Gachagua, including corruption and violation of the Constitution.

Despite 29 petitions aimed at halting the process, a three-judge bench dismissed Gachagua's plea, affirming that it was in the public interest to allow the constitutional proceedings to continue.

Gachagua will know his fate this evening (Thursday, October 17) as senators prepare to vote on his impeachment charges.

The proceedings, which will see witnesses cross-examined before Gachagua delivers his final defence, will culminate in a critical vote on each of the 11 charges.

These charges include gross misconduct, abuse of office, corruption, and mismanagement of public resources, and the Senate's decision will determine whether the Deputy President will be impeached or acquitted.