Kenyan Parliament to Hold Public Hearings on Deputy President Gachagua’s Impeachment Amid Rising Political Turmoil

In a significant political development, the Kenyan National Assembly is set to extend public participation regarding the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This decision follows a High Court ruling mandating that public hearings be conducted at the constituency level, allowing for broader citizen engagement in the process.

The National Assembly initially organized public participation sessions in 47 centers across the country, but due to the court’s directive, they have now extended this opportunity to all 290 constituencies. The hearings will take place on October 5, 2024, from 8 AM to 5 PM, enabling citizens to submit their views both orally and in writing. National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge announced that copies of the special motion outlining the grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment would be available for public review.The impeachment motion was introduced on October 1, 2024, by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, supported by 291 MPs.

Allegations against Gachagua include corruption, misconduct, and endorsing anti-government demonstrations. The motion has ignited heated debates and protests across the country, with supporters and opponents clashing at public forums.
The High Court’s ruling came after a petition filed by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, who argued that the initial public participation was insufficient. The court emphasized that genuine public engagement is crucial for the impeachment process, mandating that citizens be adequately informed and given a platform to express their opinions.

During the initial public participation sessions, tensions flared as supporters of Gachagua clashed with those advocating for his removal. Reports indicate that some participants sustained injuries during these confrontations, highlighting the contentious nature of the political climate surrounding this impeachment motion.

As the National Assembly prepares for the upcoming hearings, both Gachagua’s supporters and detractors are mobilizing to influence public opinion. The outcome of this unprecedented impeachment process could have significant implications for Kenya’s political landscape as it unfolds.