National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula on Tuesday faulted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for holding a press conference over his impeachment despite the matter being tabled in the August House.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua held a press conference on Monday evening at his Karen home defending himself against the charges against him in an impeachment motion filed to oust him.
The DP explained that he deemed it necessary to defend his case to Kenyans who elected him to power before appearing at the National Assembly, which is scheduled for this evening.
"It will only be fair to answer to the 7.1 million Kenyans who voted for President William Ruto (as President) and me as their deputy before appearing at the National Assembly," Gachagua noted during the conference.
Speaking at the start of the impeachment hearing motion in Parliament, Wetangula described Gachagua's move as extremely horrible, faulting the DP for discussing his impeachment with the media yet the National Assembly had scheduled a session where he would do the same.
"Gachagua should have restrained from holding the press conference since he knew the debate was to be held today," the speaker revealed.
"It is noted that the DP has been allowed to appear before this house to give his response to the motion in accordance with the rules of national justice. The conduct was, to say the least abhorrent."
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is scheduled to appear before the national assembly to defend himself from the 11 charges fronted against him by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse who tabled the impeachment motion.
In the motion tabled in the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, Mwengi accused Gachagua of gross violations of the Constitution, including promoting ethnic discrimination and undermining national unity through divisive public statements.
“His public statements promote division and undermine the core values of our Constitution including unity and inclusiveness,” Mwengi noted in the motion.
Ahead of Gachagua's appearance, security has been heightened in Nairobi. Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei explained that the increase of personnel on patrol and in anti-riot gear was aimed at addressing attempts by what they termed as elements aimed at disrupting peace.
Several water canons were, as a result, deployed at strategic places including outside the State House, Parliament, and Harambee Avenue as part of efforts to address the fears. Gachagua is expected to appear at the National Assembly from 5:00 pm.
