The High Court in Nairobi has ruled against halting public participation in the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Despite the urgency of the petition, the court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for October 10.
Further directions about the case will be provided at this hearing. The court’s decision allows the impeachment process to continue. It also ensures that all parties involved have the opportunity to show their arguments.
Gachagua has sought conservatory orders to prevent his impeachment, arguing that the motion is based on deceit and misrepresentation. He criticized the National Assembly for providing insufficient time for public engagement, which he believes undermines the democratic process.
The Deputy President’s legal team argues that the impeachment motion has political motivations. They say it aims to subvert the will of the Kenyan people.
In his petition, Gachagua also expressed concerns about perceived bias from the National Assembly leadership. He specifically targeted Speaker Moses Wetangula and Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei. He claims that their public statements about the impeachment show a lack of impartiality. This further complicates the legitimacy of the proceedings against him.
As the situation unfolds, the court’s upcoming hearing will be crucial in determining the next steps in the impeachment process. The outcome has significant implications for Gachagua’s political future and the broader political landscape in Kenya.