Gachagua to defend himself in Parliament against Impeachment Claims
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has gathered a legal team of 20 advocates headed by Lawyer Paul Muite to defend him against 11 charges in the motion seeking his ouster.
He is expected to appear before the House on Tuesday at 5 p.m. to answer for the 11 accusations charged against him.
Other lawyers representing the deputy president include Murigi Kamande, Julia Omwamba, George Wandati, Faith Waigwa, Victor Swanya, Elisha Ongoya, Ndegwa Njiru, George Sakimpa, Willis Otieno, Amos Kisilu and Tom Macharia.
Gachagua’s legal team will employ a strategy to challenge the process, contesting the public participation that took place on October 4 and the involvement of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau and former acting Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) CEO Andrew Mulwa are key witnesses against Gachagua.
The embattled Deputy President sparked outrage within President Ruto’s coalition after he compared the government to a company and implied that those who supported the coalition should be given priority for public sector jobs and development projects.
At a press conference on Monday night, Gachagua said he would not resign amid the impeachment motion against him.
“I was elected by 7.2 million Kenyans; how dare you suggest I resign without public participation? I have no intention of resigning from this job. I will fight until the end,” he said.
Gachagua defended his wealth amid allegations of acquiring properties worth ksh 5.2 billion illegally. He maintained he has been a businessman long before he became deputy president.
“It was during Kibaki’s era when things were working and the economy was strong. I made money with those companies,” he stated.
On October 1, lawmakers initiated the impeachment process, with 291 MPs backing the motion, far exceeding the required minimum of 117. If the National Assembly passes the impeachment with a two-thirds majority, the Senate will then be called upon to uphold the motion.
Since the matter was tabled, President Ruto has remained silent and refrained from making any public comments about the challenges facing his deputy.
