Deputy President nominee could be named by Mashujaa Day

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua arrives at the National Assembly in Nairobi for impeachment hearing on October 8, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Kenya could have a new Deputy President nominee by the next Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2024 should the Senate choose to uphold Rigathi Gachagua’s his impeachment.

Following the impeachment of the DP by the National Assembly on Tuesday, the Senate Wednesday commenced the trial and looking at the speed they are moving, Gachagua could vacate his office in a week’s time.

The Senators have even been barred from international travel so as to ensure their numbers are sufficient during the consideration of the motion.

A decision by the Senate that the impeachment motion will be heard in plenary on October 16 and 17, manifested the stark reality that the political process against Gachagua was being expedited in a supersonic speed and that in 10 days’ time, his successor could be readying to face MPs.

The ten days countdown began counting yesterday when Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi gazetted a special motion to hear the charges against Gachagua.

“Pursuant to Article 145 (3) of the Constitution and Standing Order 78 (1) of the Senate Standing orders, I appoint the sitting of the Senate for Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 9:30am as the sitting convened for the purpose of the hearing,” said Kingi through a gazette notice dated October 9, 2024.

According to article 144 (2) of the Constitution which  stipulates that if MPs secure the two-thirds majority required to remove the Deputy President, the motion is forwarded to the Senate. There, a similar majority is also required to remove DP Gachagua.

During the consideration of the motion the Senators are expected to hear the prosecutor who is Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse and if he substantiates the claims against the DP, the embattled Gachagua will be given an opportunity to be heard and voting on the charges will follow.   Witnesses are also expected to appear for both the prosecutor and the DP.

For the motion to go through, a total 45 Senators are expected to vote in its favour.  He, however, has an option to appeal the Senate’s decision’s in courts.

But should the Courts uphold the ouster of the DP, a nominee ought to be named within 14 days. This will involve the President nominating his Deputy and forwarding the er name to the National Assembly which must then vote on the same within 60 days.

Meanwhile, all Senators and staff of the Senate have been prohibited from travelling outside the country ahead of the consideration of the ouster motion. In a letter dated October 8, 2024,  Kingi communicated this resolve noting that given the gravity of the matter, it was imperative that the members maintained a “focused presence” in the Senate.

“To this end, all travel by the Honorable Senators and members of Staff in the Senate outside the country have forthwith been put on hold. I also urge committees to put on hold activities outside Nairobi, effective today, Tuesday 8 October, 2024. Until Saturday 1th October 2024,” read the letter in part.

The notice added: “This directive aims to ensure that all Senators are able to prioritise their participation in these important proceedings without distractions or disruptions.”