Senate to decide Gachagua's fate within 10 days

In an unprecedented move, Speaker Kingi received a communication from his National Assembly counterpart Moses Wetangula, detailing the MPs resolution to impeach the DP. 

The Speaker read the 11 grounds tabled within Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse's motion and directed that the process ought to be concluded within 10 days. 

He, however, confirmed that all parties would be accorded adequate time to present their case they vote on the motion. 

"The Senate will give adequate time for both parties. No party will leave complaining about inadequate time," the speaker said. 

Kingi outlined the process; directing the clerk to issue invitations to the Deputy President to defend himself against the 11 grounds. The clerk was also required to invite the mover of the motion to present their case. 

Both invitations ought to be sent before close of business on Wednesday, October 9. 

The parties will be required to file their responses with the office of the clerk of the senate by 5:00 pm on Monday, October 14. 

The clerk will then circulate documents received from the parties including the plenary hearing program to all honourable senators upon receipt on Monday next week. 

The Senate shall investigate the matter in plenary on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17. 

Senators, however, raised concerns over the packed schedule before the House the following week as they are scheduled to debate Kericho governor Erick Mutai's impeachment on Monday and Tuesday. 

In response, Speaker Kingi directed that Gachagua's impeachment motion can be extended to Friday if they cannot conclude the matter in two days. 

"Upon reading these charges, we have 10 days to conclude this process. Once we see the documentation and list of witnesses and it becomes obvious that we cannot conclude this matter in two days, we have Friday," Kingi noted. 

"Let us cross the bridge when we get there. One thing I can assure the public is that the Senate will do justice over this matter. There will be zero complaints after the conclusion of this matter."

During the session, the senators also turned down a proposal moved by Senate Majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot for a special committee to be formed to probe the 11 grounds, instead choosing the matter to appear before the entire House. 

This is after Nairobi Senator declined to second Cheruiyot's proposal, prompting the speaker to reject the bid. 

"Given the mood of the House especially on the minority side I respectfully decline to second that motion," Sifuna said.