Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is on the verge of losing his seat as the second in command, with his fate now lying with the Senate.
Despite his best efforts, Gachagua finds himself at the mercy of 47 Senators, who will hear the impeachment motion against him on Wednesday and Thursday.
His latest blow came on Wednesday, October 16 on the first day of the Senate hearing, when the court declined to issue conservatory orders stopping the impeachment trial - the second time his attempt to stop the trial failed in less than 12 hours.
With Gachagua practically being on borrowed time as far as his stint as Deputy President is concerned, a legal showdown is looming on Wednesday, with the National Assembly appointing an elite team led by Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The Siaya governor has a wealth of experience in legal matters. He also has an immense understanding of the Kenyan constitution and has experience in the Senate, having served as Senator for two terms.
Orengo is set to lead a team of 14 lawyers. The other notable legal minds in the former Senator's corner include; Paul Nyamodi, Eric Gumbo, Moses Kipkemoi, Muthomi Thiankolu, Peter Wanyama, Kenny Kipkoech, Joan Cheruto, Erick Mwingi, Bonface Mawira, Kevine Otieno, Alex Mboya, Kennedy Kyalo and John Mwangi.
Gachagua's Team
The DP has an equally powerful legal team behind him, led by senior counsel Paul Muite, who prides himself as an 'old-school- lawyer'.
Other senior lawyers in Gachagua's camp include; Elisha Ongoya, Tom Macharia, Victor Swanya, Ndegwa Njiru, John Njomo, Faith Waigwa, Amos Kisilu, George Wandati, George Sakimpa, Andrew Muge, Eric Naibei, Julia Omwamba and Willis Echesa.
Gachagua's legal team is expected to line up key witnesses as the battery of lawyers make a last-ditch attempt to deconstruct charges levelled against the Deputy President.
The Deputy President is facing 11 serious charges including abuse of office, disrespecting the Office of the President, economic crimes among others.
Speculation is already rife that a new deputy president will be appointed before Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale on October 20. However, there is still no official confirmation of this.
However, Gachagua's last bullet in the event of impeachment would be to challenge his impeachment in court. While they declined to stop the Senate trial, the three-judge bench comprising Judges Erick Ogolla, Antony Mrima and Frida Mugambi assured Gachagua's team that the deputy president can still appeal the Senate's decision to impeach him afterwards.
