The High Court has referred Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s petition challenging his impeachment to Chief Justice Martha Koome, recognizing the case’s significant constitutional implications.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi emphasized that the matter should be addressed by a three-judge bench due to its public interest, particularly concerning constitutional standards.
Gachagua’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, contended that the National Assembly failed to meet constitutional requirements for public participation before proceeding with the impeachment vote.
They argued that the process was conducted too hastily, denying Gachagua adequate time to respond to the allegations against him.
Muite asserted that the deputy president should have been afforded at least 12 days to prepare his defense but was not given that opportunity.
In contrast, lawyer Benson Millimo, representing the National Assembly, opposed Gachagua’s petition, asserting that Parliament had fulfilled its responsibilities by voting for the impeachment and forwarding the case to the Senate.
He suggested that any further objections should be addressed in the Senate, where Gachagua would have the chance to defend himself against the charges.
The impeachment process had already progressed to the Senate after 281 members of the National Assembly supported the motion, and a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is necessary to finalize the impeachment.
By Newsmedia