The impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is a matter of immense national interest and every Kenyan, depending on their political hue, seems to entertain an opinion.
MPs, after a raucous debate last Tuesday night, decided that Gachagua must leave office on the basis of the 11 charges presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.
The Senate, the trial chamber, opens the case for debate and eventual vote on Thursday.
In the spirit of fairness and the doctrine of natural justice, Gachagua must be accorded the opportunity to defend himself against the accusations.
The Senate should not rush and condemn Gachagua just because the MPs dismissed his defence and decided to impeach him.
The evidence of MP Mutuse must be scrutinised and looked at with a magnifying glass.
The Gachagua saga provides a major constitutional moment for Kenya that will be cited for many years to come both at home and around the region and beyond.
The Senate must take into account the public good and ask themselves whether the decision it makes strengthens our democracy or damages our institutions. Senators have a major balancing act that must carry the public interest before personal political biases.
Quote of the Day: “Man is born broken. He lives by mending.The grace of God is glue.”
Eugene O’Neill
The American playwright was born on October 16, 1888