Former Murang’a Gubernatorial aspirant and senior political expert/commentator Professor Peter Kagwanja, he has reacted after the Narc-Kenya party leader Hon. Martha Wangari Karua challenged James Aggrey Bob Orengo’s Appearance before the Senate floor as a lawyer representing the National Assembly.
Moseeh on X: “With no doubt every Kenyan know that Martha Karua was the game changer in the 2022 politics making the two gentlemen angry each and every day. https://t.co/xU5OqrdBi0” / X
Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua has expressed strong opposition over Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s decision to allow Siaya Governor James Orengo to represent the National Assembly as lead counsel in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Karua questioned the legality of Orengo, a full-time state officer, serving in such a role, echoing objections raised by Gachagua’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru.
Ndegwa, representing Gachagua in the impeachment case, had earlier objected to Orengo’s appearance, arguing that the Siaya Governor is a sitting state officer and is legally barred from engaging in “meaningful employment” outside his official duties.
He further questioned Orengo’s authority to act on behalf of a government entity, arguing that only the Attorney General is constitutionally mandated to represent state institutions or individuals in legal matters.
In her X post, Karua supported Ndegwa’s position, saying state officers like Orengo should not be allowed to appear in such cases. She said if he appears, Orengo could be privately practicing which is against the law.
“Valid objection: Can a state officer other than the Attorney General purport to act on behalf of a government entity or for an individual? Isn’t that engaging in private practice?” she posed
Many have questioned whether Orengo’s role in the case violates constitutional provisions that restrict state officers from participating in private legal practice.
Speaker Kingi, however, overruled the objections, allowing Orengo to continue representing the National Assembly in the impeachment proceedings. Kingi maintained that Orengo’s involvement was within the law, sparking a debate about the scope of legal representation by state officials.
The impeachment case against Gachagua has already generated significant political and legal interest, with the latest development adding a new layer of controversy. Karua’s intervention brings added weight to the debate, given her legal background and prominent role in Kenya’s opposition politics.
By Nairobi