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Wetang'ula condemns Gachagua over presser on ouster motion

Gachagua will appear before the House on Tuesday at 5pm to defend himself against the 11 impeachment grounds.

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by SHARON MWENDE

Realtime08 October 2024 - 10:55

In Summary


  • Wetangula stated that he will accord the DP and his representatives the opportunity to be heard for maximum of two hours in the evening. 
  • The Speaker stated that the DP's conduct was "abhorrent in the light of the proceedings scheduled to commence in the House."


Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula has censured Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for addressing the grounds for his impeachment a day before the debate and voting at the Nationa Assembly.

Wetang'ula, who rebuked the action on Tuesday, said the DP should have waited to air his defence before the National Assembly.

Gachagua will appear before the House on Tuesday at 5pm to defend himself against the 11 impeachment grounds.

"Noting that the special motion is scheduled for debate and voting today, I believe that the Deputy President ought to have exercised restraint and refrained from holding the press interview," Wetangula said.

"It is noteworthy that the Deputy President has been given an opportunity to appear before this House to make his response to the motion in accordance with the rules of natural justice."

The Speaker cited Standing Order NO. 85 which prohibits members of this House from anticipating debate of a motion for which notice has been given.

Wetang'ula said the Standing Order when broadly interpreted also extends to non-members, especially persons affected by such motions.

Wetang'ula stated that he would accord the DP and his representatives the opportunity to be heard for a maximum of two hours in the evening. 

The Speaker stated that the DP's conduct was "abhorrent in the light of the proceedings scheduled to commence in the House".

On Monday, Gachagua held a two-hour national address over the events of the past few days that saw a motion presented in parliament for his impeachment.

The Deputy President denied all allegations levelled against him as he further explained his source of wealth, which has been included as evidence of his involvement in graft.

He defended himself against alleged interference in the running of Nairobi County by inciting traders against lawful directives of the county government.

The DP said his meeting with traders on September 29 was in response to their outcry that their grievances were not being addressed by City Hall.

“I wish to clarify and point out that when I held a public rally, I merely requested the governor of Nairobi county to speak and listen to the grievances which were being raised by the market traders. Videos will be produced tomorrow in the National Assembly,” the DP said.


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