National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced that public participation in the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024. This exercise will be conducted across all 47 counties.
Speaking during Tuesday’s session, Wetang’ula emphasized the importance of public involvement in the process of removing an elected state officer.
“It would be absurd to think that such a motion would ever be debated without public involvement, he said. “I am indeed persuaded that public participation is integral to the process of removing an elected state officer from office.”
The Speaker said House Business Committee has approved a programme for public participation to be coordinated from each county.
“The Clerk of the National Assembly will publish all the details of the exercise through media adverts beginning October 2, 2024,” Wetang’ula said.
To this end, he said the House would seek a resolution to suspend sittings from Thursday, 3rd October 2024, to Monday, 7th October 2024. This would enable the necessary administrative arrangements.
In addition, Wetang’ula was able to confirm that indeed, the DP Gachagua has the right to appear before the House on 8th October 2024 either in person or through legal counsel to defend himself.
“Standing Order 67 obligates the House to allow the Deputy President to be heard in person, through a representative, or both. The House must accord him the right to fair administrative action under Article 47 and a fair hearing under Article 50,” he said.
Wetang’ula ordered that the DP be informed of his right to appear on October 8, 2024, between 5 pm and 7 pm.
He further assured the MPs of their security during the period.
“I assure all members, in consultation with the National Police Service, that further security measures will be considered if need be,” he said.
He called on MPs and the public to take the process seriously.
