Wetangula terms DP Gachagua's TV interview 'abhorrent' ahead of ouster debate

Wetangula made the remarks ahead of the highly anticipated impeachment debate, which could end Gachagua's political career.

 "I will not act as a judge in this matter, but I must put on record that the Deputy President’s conduct was, to say the least, abhorrent, especially considering the ongoing parliamentary proceedings," Wetangula stated during the session.

According to the Speaker, Standing Order 85 of the National Assembly prohibits Members of Parliament from preempting debates on motions that have been formally introduced.

Although Gachagua is not a member of the National Assembly, Wetangula stated that the standing orders apply to him because he is directly involved in the current motion.

"Standing Order 85 explicitly prohibits members of this House from preempting debate on a motion for which notice has been issued," Wetangula clarified. "When interpreted broadly, the order also applies to non-members, particularly those directly affected by such motions."

Wetangula also stated that Gachagua, as the subject of the impeachment motion, should have exercised caution and refrained from giving the televised interview.

"Given that the special motion is scheduled for debate and a vote today, I believe the Deputy President should have shown restraint and avoided the media interview," Wetangula added. 

"It is not a question of whether the Deputy President has been afforded an opportunity to defend himself before this House—he has. It is about upholding decorum and respecting the parliamentary process."

Gachagua appeared in a televised briefing on Monday, where he responded to the allegations that are the basis for the impeachment motion.

He dismissed the allegations as baseless and sensational, claiming they were part of a political plot to tarnish his reputation and remove him from office.