The Senate Speaker, Amason Kingi, has dismissed a preliminary objection from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s legal team to the involvement of Senior Counsel and Siaya Governor James Orengo in the ongoing impeachment trial.
Deputy President Gachagua’s lawyers sought to remove Orengo from representing the National Assembly, citing a potential conflict of interest.
Gachagua’s legal representative, Ndegwa Njiru, argued that Orengo’s position as a full-time state officer, due to his role as governor, legally disqualifies him from participating in Senate proceedings in a professional capacity. Njiru further emphasized that Orengo’s dual roles could compromise the fairness of the trial and prejudice Gachagua’s defence.
Despite these objections, Speaker Kingi ruled that the defence team failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that Orengo’s role as governor constitutes gainful employment that would conflict with his duties in the impeachment trial.
Therefore, the objection was dismissed, allowing Orengo to continue representing the National Assembly.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has faced scrutiny and legal battles throughout his political career. His impeachment proceedings began in early September 2024, following allegations of abuse of office, corruption, and unethical conduct.
The National Assembly initiated the impeachment motion on September 10, 2024, citing claims that Gachagua misused his position for personal gain, influenced government contracts for associates, and violated public trust.
Key Timeline of Events:
September 10: The National Assembly officially introduced the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, listing charges of corruption and abuse of office.
September 18: A special committee was formed within the National Assembly to investigate the allegations and gather evidence against the Deputy President.
October 5: The committee presented its findings to the National Assembly, recommending that the case proceed to the Senate for a formal trial.
October 10: The National Assembly voted in favour of sending the impeachment motion to the Senate, triggering the trial phase.
As the impeachment trial continues, the focus will remain on the evidence presented by both parties and the defence strategy employed by Deputy President Gachagua’s legal team.
