Court Declines to Stop MPs from Debating Gachagua’s Impeachment Motion
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s attempt to block his impeachment motion in Parliament hit a setback after the High Court refused to stop the tabling and debate. Gachagua’s allies, led by former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general Cleophas Malala, had moved to court seeking interim orders to halt the motion scheduled for debate on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
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However, on Monday, September 30, High Court judge Bahati Mwamuye declined to issue the requested orders but certified the matter as urgent. This decision is a significant blow to Gachagua, as the impeachment motion is set to proceed in Parliament, spearheaded by Kenya Kwanza MPs.
Legal Attempt to Block the Impeachment Motion
Gachagua’s allies, through lawyer Mwenda Njagi, sought the court’s intervention to stop any tabling, debating, or consideration of the impeachment motion in Parliament. They aimed to halt any sanctions or actions taken against the deputy president.
Court documents reveal that Judge Mwamuye ordered Malala to serve the National Assembly, Senate, and other interested parties with the petition and related court documents by the end of September 30, 2024. The judge’s refusal to grant the requested interim orders allows the impeachment debate to proceed as planned.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah’s Take on the Impeachment
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah confirmed that he signed the impeachment motion. He accused Gachagua of undermining national unity by promoting ethnic divisions within the Mt. Kenya region and sabotaging the government. Ichung’wah claimed that Gachagua was trying to convince Mt. Kenya leaders to leave Kenya Kwanza and align with figures like George Wajackoyah, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa.
Charges Against Gachagua
The motion to impeach Gachagua outlines eight key charges, including allegations that he disrupted a meeting with President William Ruto by banging the table. Gachagua is also accused of pushing for political compensation for votes from the Mt. Kenya region during the 2022 presidential election. These allegations form the basis of the motion against him.