Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to address the media this evening at 7pm.
The media invite sent at 1 pm shortly after the High Court yet again declined to issue orders stopping the impeachment proceedings against him states that the DP will hold a press conference from his official residence in Karen.
“Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will hold a Press Conference at the Official Residence in Karen at 7pm, this evening, Monday, October 7, 2024. Those who need to set up should be at the residence by 5pm and the rest of the crew by 5.30pm” reads the press invite.
The latest development also comes hours before the much-awaited debate set to kick off tomorrow Tuesday at the National Assembly after a two-day public participation that concluded on Saturday.
Gachagua who faces 11 charges levelled against him by the Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse has been allocated two hours from 5 pm Tuesday to defend himself.
However, the National Assembly Standing Orders provide that the DP can appear in person or send a legal representative.
In the latest application, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ordered the consolidation of the petitions and the file referred to Presiding Judge Justice Chacha Mwita after the National Assembly and the Senate informed the court that there are at least 18 similar petitions filed in various courts.
Key witnesses
The legislators have maintained there is sufficient evidence supporting the accusations including video clips.
Some of the key witnesses to testify against the second in command include Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau and former acting Kemsa Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mulwa.
The three witnesses are expected to take to the stand to provide finer details to justify the grounds upon which MP Mutuse has premised his impeachment motion against Gachagua.
The legislators will also receive an update on the public participation exercise conducted across the country before taking a vote. The motion requires 233 votes to pass.
The DP has the option of saving his political career by resigning.
Reporting by Margaret Kalekye and Abdi Aziz
