Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reacted moments after MPs overwhelmingly voted to impeach him on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Gachagua quoted two Bible verses, saying “it is well”.
Gachagua was impeached in a vote in which a majority (281) of Members of Parliament supported the ouster motion, 44 opposed it, and one abstained.
“1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Jeremiah 30:19 “From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honour, and they will not be disdained.”,” he quoted.
“It is well.”
While communicating to the House after the results of the votes were announced, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said the impeachment motion had garnered the support of at least two-thirds of the House and therefore DP Gachagua stood impeached.
The National Assembly comprises 349 Members, including 290 elected from constituencies, 47 women elected from counties, and 12 nominated representatives. Consequently, a two-thirds majority equates to 233 votes.
Gachagua impeachment in Senate
Wetangula is now legally required to notify the Speaker of the Senate of the decision of the House within two days, as stipulated in Article 145 (2)(a) of the Constitution.
Article 145 (2)(b) further clarifies that the Deputy President will continue to perform his duties pending the outcome of the proceedings.
Following receipt of the resolution notice from the National Assembly, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi is required to convene a Senate meeting within seven days to consider the charges against Gachagua.
Article 145 (3)(b) says the Senate may establish a Special Committee of 11 Members to investigate the allegations within seven days.
Articles 145 (4)(a) and (b) mandate that this Committee report its findings to the Senate within 10 days.
If at least two-thirds of the Senate members—comprising 67 total, including 47 elected and 20 nominated—vote to uphold any impeachment charges, the Deputy President shall cease to hold office, as specified in Article 145 (7).
This means that a minimum of 45 senators must support the Motion to remove the Deputy President from office.
