Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi has cautioned senators
against making comments about the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi
Gachagua, currently before the National Assembly.
Kingi noted that the matter may be referred to the Senate
for consideration and determination, in accordance with Articles 145 and 150 of
the Constitution.
“It shall be out of order for a Senator to criticise or call
to question the proceedings in the National Assembly,” he said.
“As such, therefore, I caution all honourable Senators to
desist on commenting on the proceedings in the National Assembly on this
matter.”
Kingi noted that the Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot
had expressed concern that some senators may have made utterances at various
fora on the impeachment.
He said Cheruiyot further noted that some senators have
proceeded to express their view on the matter, one way or the other.
Kingi made the remarks in a communication to the House
following a Motion that has been filed in the National Assembly on the proposed
removal from office by impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and
impeachment of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai.
The Speaker noted that the Senate, being the trial chamber
on the proposed removal from office by the impeachment of the Deputy President,
will be sitting as a quasi-judicial body to hear and determine the matter.
“Comments made, whether written or spoken, may prejudice the
just outcome of the process not only in the Senate but also in the National
Assembly, as this is a function undertaken by both Houses of Parliament,” he
said.
Kingi added that at an appropriate time, he will communicate
the message received from the Kericho County Assembly on the proposed removal
from office by impeachment of Mutai.
“Similarly, comments made on the matter, whether written or spoken, in relation to the proposed removal from office of the Governor of Kericho County, may prejudice the just outcome of the process and the fair determination of the hearing,” he explained.