'This is not a TikTok moment,' Kingi tells Senators

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi during Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment trial on October16, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

There was a light moment at the Senate after Speaker Amason Kingi urged senators to approach their questioning with seriousness, during the impeachment trial of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The call for decorum came as senators were questioning Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Deputy CEO Abdi Ahmed, a key witness in the case.

"Honorable senators, when you're given a chance to seek clarification or ask a question, it is not a moment to get TikTok clips. Please, this is a very serious matter. Let us not embarrass this House," said Kingi.

Kenya accounts for 54 per cent of global TikTok usage, with 29 per cent of the country's TikTok activity focused on staying informed through news updates. This has led to a notable presence of political leaders on the platform.

Later in the proceedings, Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku also faced a reprimand after accusing Speaker Kingi of bias.

"I represent the people of Kajiado. I have a right to speak in this Assembly. But there seems to be a bias," Seki said.

Kingi immediately demanded a retraction, warning that Seki could face expulsion from the Chamber.

"Honorable Seki, this hearing will continue past midnight today. Allow the witness to respond to the queries, and then we will proceed with another round. You cannot accuse the chair of bias. Unless you apologize, I will have you removed," the Speaker warned. Senator Seki later complied, issuing an apology to the Speaker and the House.