His sentiments come ahead of a big week for Gachagua where he is set to appear before the Senate for the trial to defend himself against 11 charges that led to his impeachment at the National Assembly.
Kapsaret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi on Sunday, October 13 pleaded with Kenyans to be patient as he promised that the Members of Parliament who voted yes to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment would explain why they did so.
Sudi, who continued his relentless assault on DP Gachagua, revealed in a video seen by Viral Tea that the more than 280 MPs who voted to impeach the second in command on October 8 had valid reasons.
His sentiments come ahead of a big week for Gachagua where he is set to appear before the Senate for the trial to defend himself against 11 charges that led to his impeachment at the National Assembly.
“Many are asking questions. I want to tell you Kenyans to be patient. We will explain one by one after we are done with our work,” he said, adding “For once, believe in us because we are not mad. More than 280 MPs versus 349 (voted to oust Gachagua). It is for the good of the country.”
A collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Parliament Buildings. /NTV.PARLIAMENT
In light of persisting calls for President William Ruto to resign after a majority of the National Assembly voted to oust the DP, Sudi claimed that those behind the anti-Ruto chants were sponsored goons.
The outspoken MP further accused Gachagua of practising politics along tribal lines, claiming that some political leaders attempted to convince the DP to change his methods before finally resorting to impeachment.
“We will get rid of him because he is a huge enemy to this country. We have tried to speak to him as a leader and there is so much behind the scenes. Whatever it takes, we must get rid of our deputy President,” Sudi said while accusing the DP of abandoning his office.
Sudi has been Gachagua’s fiercest critic in recent weeks and has been vocal on his impeachment, even suggesting that the next DP would come from the Mt Kenya region, in a move that would enhance Ruto’s chances of securing another term in 2027.
Meanwhile, Gachagua during a church service on Sunday in Embu expressed his confidence in the Judiciary in prosecuting the impeachment motion, remarks that cast doubt on the Senate’s ability to save him.
“Our Judiciary is very professional and I have no doubt that our eminent judges will protect and uphold the constitution and always make sure that the will of the people is sovereign,” he said, adding “The will of the people should be respected because they vote every five years and it is good to respect their choices.”
This comes after the High Court on Friday issued orders allowing the petition challenging Gachagua’s impeachment to be forwarded to CJ Koome, who will empanel a three-judge bench to determine the case. High Court judge Lawrence Mugambi noted that the case warrants the attention of CJ Koome as it is a matter of great public interest.
“In my view, despite stiff opposition by the respondents, it is my considered opinion that this petition risks weighty constitutional questions that fall under Article 163 B and D (2) hence I am pursuant to refer it to the Chief Justice for empanelment of a bench, Justice Mugambi ruled.
Gachagua’s fate is set to be decided on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17, when he faces the Senate. However, another lifeline was handed for the DP’s frantic last-minute application from his legal team filed under a certificate of urgency to prevent Parliament’s trial chamber from considering the ouster motion.
The matter, which is Gachagua’s 24th attempt (either directly or indirectly) to block his removal from office, will be heard on Monday, October 14.
A bird’s eye view of Parliament as of June 6, 2024. /PARLIAMENT OF KENYA