Parliament suspends Thursday session to prepare for DP Gachagua Impeachment

The National Assembly of Kenya has made the decision to suspend its session on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in preparation for the impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This decision is part of an effort to ensure that the public is fully involved in the process, which is seen as a significant political event in the country’s governance. The move to suspend the session was driven by the need for crucial administrative arrangements that will allow for comprehensive public participation, an element that the assembly views as critical to the legitimacy of the impeachment proceedings.

The impeachment debate, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, is expected to continue throughout the day until the motion is fully considered. This comes after a significant number of MPs expressed their support for the motion to remove Gachagua from office, a move that has garnered widespread attention across the nation. The motion is one of the most talked-about political developments in recent months and reflects deep divisions within the political class.

The decision to allow for extensive public participation demonstrates the importance that Parliament places on ensuring that the impeachment process is seen as transparent and fair. In an effort to involve the grassroots, the Majority Leader has emphasized the need for MPs to facilitate participation at the polling station level. This push for broader involvement aligns with Kenya’s constitutional mandate for public participation in significant political processes.

The motion to impeach the Deputy President was introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, and it has gained substantial support within the National Assembly. Out of 345 members, 291 signed in favor of the motion, well above the 117-member threshold required to table the motion. This overwhelming support points to a significant shift within the political landscape, as it indicates that the Deputy President’s hold on the National Assembly is weaker than previously thought.

One of the most notable aspects of the impeachment process is the range of political figures who have thrown their weight behind the motion. While some were expected to back the Deputy President, a number of key allies have remained silent or distanced themselves from him. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, known as a close ally of President William Ruto, was conspicuously absent from the process. Nyoro’s decision to refrain from participating in the motion has raised eyebrows, given his reputation as a trusted political foot soldier within the ruling party.

The mood in the National Assembly leading up to the impeachment debate has been charged, with MPs eager to express their opinions on the matter. The session in which the signatures were collected was described as heated, with members shouting in excitement whenever the name of a colleague who signed the motion was mentioned. This atmosphere has added to the sense that the impeachment of Gachagua could mark a turning point in Kenya’s political future.

The impeachment process against the Deputy President comes after weeks of speculation about whether there were enough MPs to push forward the motion. The fact that the motion has garnered more than double the required support has taken many by surprise, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power within the ruling coalition. It also raises questions about the future of the Deputy President and his role in the government, as the impeachment debate could lead to a significant realignment of political alliances.

The structure of the debate, as outlined in the Standing Orders, ensures that the motion’s mover will have 60 minutes to present their case, followed by 30 minutes for a response. Key political figures, including the Majority and Minority Leaders, as well as the Seconder, will have 10 minutes each to contribute to the debate. Other members of the assembly will be given five minutes to express their views, ensuring that there is ample opportunity for a range of opinions to be heard.

The public’s role in the impeachment process has been a key focus of the discussions leading up to the suspension of Parliament’s Thursday session. The Majority Leader emphasized the importance of conducting public participation at the grassroots level, urging MPs to take an active role in facilitating this process. This approach is designed to ensure that the public feels engaged and that their voices are heard in what is likely to be one of the most consequential political processes in recent Kenyan history.

The call for public participation is not just a procedural formality; it is a reflection of the broader democratic principles enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution. By encouraging MPs to engage with their constituents at polling stations, the National Assembly is seeking to ensure that the impeachment process is grounded in the will of the people. This approach also serves to legitimize the process and to shield it from accusations of being driven by political vendettas or personal rivalries.

The lead-up to the impeachment debate has been marked by intense lobbying and speculation about how the vote will unfold. The fact that so many MPs have come out in support of the motion suggests that the Deputy President’s political future is uncertain. With 291 members of the National Assembly having signed the motion, it is clear that there is significant momentum behind the push to remove Gachagua from office. However, it remains to be seen whether the final vote will reflect the same level of support.

Political analysts have suggested that the impeachment process could be a litmus test for the stability of the ruling coalition. The Deputy President has long been seen as a key figure within the government, but his apparent loss of support within the National Assembly suggests that his influence may be waning. The outcome of the impeachment debate could therefore have far-reaching implications for the future of the current administration and the broader political landscape in Kenya.

As the impeachment process moves forward, the focus will be on how the National Assembly conducts itself during the debate. The Speaker of the National Assembly has indicated that the session will be extended on Tuesday, October 8, to ensure that the motion is fully debated and that all members have an opportunity to speak. This decision reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough and fair consideration of the issues at hand.

The impeachment motion against Deputy President Gachagua is historic, not only because of the position he holds but also because of the political dynamics it has revealed. The fact that so many MPs have chosen to support the motion indicates that there is a growing sense of dissatisfaction with his leadership. At the same time, the process has highlighted the importance of public participation in Kenya’s political processes, reinforcing the democratic principles that underpin the country’s governance.

As the country prepares for the impeachment debate, the political atmosphere is likely to become even more charged. The decision to suspend the Thursday session of Parliament is a clear indication that the National Assembly is taking the process seriously and is committed to ensuring that it is conducted in a transparent and orderly manner. Whether or not the motion to remove the Deputy President is successful, the impeachment debate will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the country’s political future.

The upcoming days will be crucial in determining how the impeachment process unfolds. With the debate set to begin in less than a week, political observers will be watching closely to see how MPs align themselves and whether the support for the motion holds steady. The outcome of the debate could have significant implications not only for the Deputy President but also for the broader political landscape in Kenya, as it may signal a shift in the balance of power within the ruling coalition.

In conclusion, the decision to suspend the Thursday session of Parliament to prepare for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment is a significant development in Kenya’s political scene. The focus on public participation reflects a commitment to democratic principles, while the overwhelming support for the motion suggests that the Deputy President’s future is uncertain. As the debate approaches, all eyes will be on the National Assembly to see how the process unfolds and what it means for the future of Kenyan politics.