The Deputy President Impeachment Trial Kicks Off At the Senate

The suit against the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to kick off at the Senate from October 16, 2024, to October 17, 2024. According to Senate Speaker Hon. Amason Kingi, the Deputy President is expected to face the entire house after a motion tabled by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot failed to be seconded by Deputy Majority Whip Edwin Sifuna.

As the senators await the house to be called in order, a close ally to the Deputy President by the name of Peterson Njomo Muchira has presented a damning affidavit to the parliament. In his affidavit, Njomo says he had to clarify issues following contradictions between the DP’s response and the remarks made by various MPs while debating the motion.

Specifically, Njomo claims that he had personal knowledge of facts relating to the sale of the Olive Branch Hotel, which was initially part of the DPs late brother Nderitu Gachagua's estate.

“On or around March 31, 2023, the DP approached and convinced me to purchase the Olive Garden Hotel, which was at the time part of the estate of the late Nderitu Gachagua. The DP persuaded me to enter into a formal secret arrangement regarding the transaction embodied in the agreement annexed on pages 10 to 34 of his response to the motion,” Njomo claims in the affidavit.

He also expounds on the terms of the secret arrangement where the DP would buy the hotel from him by refunding the purchasing price of ksh 412 million, as stated in his response to the motion.

In his affidavit, Njomo continues by claiming that he appointed Jahenda as a signatory and agent for the purpose of operating the hotel’s bank account.

“To protect Gachagua’s undisclosed interest in the hotel, I would appoint MS Julianne Jahenda as a signatory or agent for the hotel’s account and to further protect the DP’s undisclosed interest, MS Julianne Jahenda will run the hotel,” he claims.

“I have so far allowed MS Julianne Jahenda to run the hotel as agreed with the DP. I swear this affidavit will give Parliament helpful information and clarification. I am amenable, should Parliament so direct to appear and be cross-examined on the contents of this affidavit,” said Njomo.

The Speaker released a program of activities for today and tomorrow's debate proceedings. The program indicates that there will be a closed session of a pre-hearing meeting for the senators this morning. This will be followed by preliminary proceedings, which will include the recital of the Senate's mandate, rules of procedure, and hearing program, the introduction of the Members of the National Assembly Representing the House and their counsel, if any, and the introduction of the DP and his counsel if any.

Reading of the charges will follow for about 30 minutes.

The National Assembly will be granted 3 hours to table their evidence and witnesses, if any, and two hours for close examination.

Tomorrow, the DP will be granted 5 hours to table his evidence and witnesses, if any. He will use 3 hours to table his defence, while the remaining 2 hours will be used for close examination.

Later, the House will debate the motion for about two hours and subsequently take a vote. If two-thirds of the senators vote in favor of the motion, then Gachagua will cease to hold office, as provided in Article 145 (7) of the Constitution.