Embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has faced another setback. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi allowed the house to consider new evidence. This evidence was presented against him in his impeachment proceedings.
Gachagua’s legal team objected. They aimed to have an affidavit from one Peterson Njomo Muchira removed from the proceedings. He is a witness from the National Assembly.
Yet, Speaker Kingi determined that Njomo’s affidavit was admissible.
Speaker Kingi’s decision on the Njomo affidavit
The standing orders aimed to control the evidence introduced by the National Assembly. They specified that no new evidence outside of the grounds of impeachment should be forwarded to the Senate.
Nonetheless, Speaker Kingi remarked that both parties were invited to specify any extra evidence. This evidence would be utilized in Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings.
“That is why Rule 6 and 7 of the Rules of Procedure permits the Senate to get witness statements. It also allows lists of witnesses to be invited.
Other evidence can support an already made allegation,” Kingi ruled. The introduction of new allegations is prohibited. New evidence unrelated to the allegations presented in an impeachment motion is also prohibited.
“”In my professional opinion, the affidavit and the document designated as volume 8a follow the acceptable rules of procedure. ” “I hereby rule that the objection is dismissed,” he concluded the matter.
