The National Assembly has announced an extension of public participation about Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment. They are allowing an extra day for citizens to voice their opinions. This decision comes after disruptions were reported at various centers across the country, which hindered the first public engagement process.
The Clerk of the National Assembly has instructed that all constituency and county offices stay open on Saturday, October 5. This is to help the extended participation.
The notice from the National Assembly emphasizes that members of the public can send their views at designated offices. These views will then be forwarded to the Clerk’s office. This move aims to guarantee that the public has enough chances to engage in the impeachment process.
These opportunities are especially important after the disturbances during the early sessions. Reports indicated that some events were marred by violence, with incidents of scuffles and protests disrupting the proceedings.
In particular, the public participation event at the Bomas of Kenya faced significant interruptions due to confrontations among attendees. Similar disruptions were reported in other regions, including Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambu, and Nakuru.
Residents expressed concerns over the method of participation. They specifically criticized the use of paper submissions instead of a biometric system. They argued this method lead to manipulation of the process.
The extension of public participation aligns with a recent court ruling. The ruling mandated a second round of engagement across all constituencies. The court found the first public participation efforts inadequate.
It required a more comprehensive approach to guarantee that all Kenyans can express their views on the impeachment motion. The National Assembly’s latest directive complies with this judicial order. It emphasizes the importance of thorough public involvement in the legislative process.
