By OUR CORRESPONDENT
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has faulted embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recent actions in light of the ongoing impeachment proceedings.
In a communication to the House on Tuesday, October 8, Speaker Wetang’ula observed that the Deputy President had participated in a media interview on Monday , during which he outlined his defense against the special motion currently before the House.
The Speaker noted that Standing Order No. 85 prohibits members from discussing a motion that is under consideration. He indicated that this rule applies not only to members of the House but also to non-members directly affected by such motions.
“Given that the special motion is scheduled for debate and voting today, the Deputy President should have shown restraint and avoided the media interview,” Speaker Wetang’ula stated.
He emphasized that the Deputy President has been given the opportunity to present his response to the motion in accordance with principles of natural justice.
While the Speaker clarified that he would not act as a judge in this matter, he described the Deputy President’s actions as “abhorrent” considering the seriousness of the proceedings.
The Speaker confirmed that the Deputy President or his representatives would be allowed to address the House at 5 p.m. for a maximum of two hours, followed by a reply from the mover of the motion before a vote takes place.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of conducting today’s proceedings with the utmost decorum. To ensure the efficient use of time, I encourage that each member be allowed to speak without interruption,” the Speaker added.
Kibwezi MP Eckomas Mwengi Mutuse, who Sponsored the impeachment motion, called the day a historic moment for Kenya, noting that the country has never before faced the impeachment of a Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution.
He further observed that while Parliament has dealt with various impeachment cases involving governors, the courts have established clear standards for considering such motions
