Kenyans are set to engage in a significant public participation exercise about the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This unprecedented event will take place on October 4, 2024. It will allow citizens to voice their opinions on the motion.
This motion was initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mutuse Mwengi and has garnered support from 291 MPs. The National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, emphasized the importance of public involvement in the impeachment process. He highlighted that avoiding potential legal repercussions is essential. These repercussions have affected earlier impeachment cases.
The public participation will be organized across the country’s 290 constituencies. Activities will be coordinated from 47 designated locations in each county. The event will run from 8 am to 5 pm. During this time, officials from Parliament’s secretariat will guide attendees through the impeachment process.
They will show the charges against Gachagua. The public can express their views and opinions on the matter. These will be documented for a report to be submitted to Parliament.
For those who can’t attend in person, the National Assembly has provided a different method for participation. Citizens can fill out special forms available online. These forms are in both English and Swahili.
They detail their stance on the 11 charges against Gachagua. These forms ask for personal information. This includes name, gender, constituency, and identification number. There is also a checkbox to show support or opposition to the motion.
Completed forms can be submitted at designated collection centers. They can also be sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly. Alternatively, they can be emailed to a specified location. The deadline for submissions is October 5, 2024, at 5 pm.
This initiative is a major step in involving the public in political processes. It ensures that their voices are heard in matters of governance and accountability.
