Impeachment Motion Against Gachagua to Be Tabled Next Week with Nearly 300 Signature

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• MPs are set to table an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with nearly 300 signatures already collected.
• The motion requires the backing of 233 MPs and Senate support to succeed, with secrecy surrounding the process raising questions.

Members of the National Assembly are set to table an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua next Tuesday, with reports suggesting that the collection of signatures is nearly complete. 

By Friday evening, the initiative was close to reaching the necessary threshold, with nearly 300 signatures collected.

The motion requires the backing of 117 MPs for it to be introduced in the House, and ultimately, the support of 233 MPs to be passed on to the Senate. 

On Friday, leaders in the National Assembly confirmed to Citizen TV that the process was progressing swiftly. National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya revealed that by Thursday evening, 260 signatures had been collected, with the figure nearing 300. 

Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro added that there was a surge in interest among MPs to sign the motion.

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The signatures, gathered in secrecy by regional caucus whips during late-night meetings, are part of a coordinated effort. 

Leaders from Rift Valley were reportedly the first to convene, seeking to safeguard the presidency. Other groups from Mt. Kenya, Western, and Coast regions soon followed, with meetings taking place at a hotel in Lavington, Nairobi. Oversight of the signature collection is reportedly being handled by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, who are receiving real-time updates on the progress.

Despite the secrecy surrounding the signatures, Baya assured that MPs from various regions were signing on rapidly.

In the coastal region, for instance, only one MP had yet to sign, with another flying from Mombasa just to add his name to the motion. Osoro stated confidently that the question is not whether the motion will be tabled, but when.

However, the confidential nature of the process has raised suspicions, leading some to question whether the motion is fully in place. 

According to Articles 145-150 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the process for impeaching a Deputy President mirrors that for impeaching the President. 

The motion must outline serious charges such as gross violations of the Constitution, crimes under national or international law, or gross misconduct.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa emphasized the need for a robust case, noting the high stature of the Deputy President. 

Among the grounds being cited for Gachagua’s impeachment are allegations of tribalism, undermining the President, and disputes over his shareholding narrative. 

To ensure the legal soundness of their case, the legislators have engaged top lawyers who are working to prevent any vulnerabilities that might lead to the motion being overturned by the courts.

If the motion secures the support of 233 MPs—two-thirds of the total 349—the matter will move to the Senate. 

There, the proponents will need to rally 45 senators for the impeachment to succeed. Gachagua, on the other hand, will require at least 23 senators to block the motion. The Senate may choose to handle the matter in plenary or form an 11-member committee to review the case.