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| Senate speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi announced the vacancy in the Office of the Deputy President |
The Senate has officially gazetted the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a historic moment in Kenya’s politics.In a Gazette Notice dated Thursday, October 17, Speaker of the Senate Amason Jeffah Kingi declared the Deputy President’s office vacant following his removal from office. The Gazette Notice (No. 13400) outlined the constitutional provisions under which Gachagua was impeached. According to the notice seen by TUKO.co.ke, the impeachment was conducted in line with Article 150 (1)(b) and (2) of the constitution, as well as Article 145 (2), following the approval of the motion by the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 8. “Pursuant to Articles 145 (7) and 150 (1) (b) and (2) of the Constitution and Standing Order 78 (8) of the Senate Standing Orders, on Thursday, 17th October, 2024, the Senate resolved to remove from office, by impeachment, His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, E.G.H., Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya,” read the notice in part.
What are the grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment Kingi went on to outline the precise allegations for which Gachagua was found guilty, resulting in his historic removal from office. These included flagrant violations of many provisions of the constitution, misconduct, and major questions about his devotion to the country’s laws and institutions. The now-former DP was accused of undermining the judiciary’s independence, a violation of Article 160 (1). He was also charged with breaking the National Cohesion and Integration Act, notably sections 13 (1)(a) and 62, which deal with promoting ethnic harmony and preventing hate speech. Gachagua was also found guilty of wrongdoing incompatible with the function of Deputy President for his attacks on the National Security Intelligence Service and its officers.
What Dan Maanzo said about Gachagua’s sickness Earlier, Senator Dan Maanzo shared details regarding Gachagua’s final moments before he disappeared from the Senate after reportedly falling ill. He also mentioned that he had lunch at his office with several Senators from the Mt. Kenya region, who confirmed that Gachagua was doing well. When asked what the Senate would do if he didn’t show up at 5pm as instructed by the Senate Speaker, Maanzo said that as long as Gachagua is in the hospital, he will be given a fair opportunity to be heard under the constitution.
by Didacus Malowa
