281 MPs voted to support the impeachment motion against DP Gachagua.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on Tuesday, October 8, impeached by the National Assembly on grounds of money laundering and gross misconduct among other allegations.
The mover of the motion, Kibwezi West MP Mutuse Mwengi listed 11 grounds against Gachagua, including allegations of illegal acquisition of wealth valued at Ksh 5.2 billion over the last two years.
The motion was supported by 281 members, and opposed by 44, with 1 member absent. Having garnered the required 233 votes, the motion now sails to the Senate.
"According to the results of the division on the motion that I've just declared, a total of 281 being more than two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly have voted in support of the motion. Article 145 (2a) of the Constitution provides that " if a motion under clause 1 is supported by at least two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly, the Speaker shall inform the Speaker of the Senate of the resolution within two days," National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula announced.
Wetang'ula added," In this regard, I'll proceed to discharge the similar duty placed on me by article 145 (2b) of the Constitution under which to notify the Speaker of the Senate of the resolution of the National Assembly."
The impeachment session commenced on Tuesday morning with the motion mover, MP Mwengi, delivering an opening statement that laid out the foundation for the impeachment proceedings.
Following Mutuse's submission, MPs were given the floor to discuss the matter, with many expressing strong opinions.
A significant majority voiced their support for the impeachment, citing concerns about accountability and governance.
At 5 PM Kenyan time, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was accorded an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations
He spoke for approximately two hours, where he denied any allegations of wrongdoing. The DP's defense included a categorical denial of any wrongdoing, highlighting various initiatives and policies he has championed during his tenure, and urging MPs to consider his contributions rather than focus solely on allegations.
As part of his defense, Gachagua denied claims that he owned Olive Gardens Hotel, stating that they sold the hotel for Ksh 412 million and divided the proceeds as directed in his brother, Nderitu Gachagua's will.
"The allegation that I own Olive Garden Hotel is false. The truth is that Olive Garden Hotel used to belong to my deceased brother, the late Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua, and therefore has never been my property. This is information that most of you may be aware of as it is in the public domain," he said.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
Additionally, Gachagua denied claims that he owns Vipingo Beach Resort in Kilifi and Queens Gate Serviced Apartments.
On the ownership of Queens Gate Serviced Apartments, he said, "This allegation is also false as the property belonged to my late Brother. Queens Gate Serviced Apartments registered in the name of Vipingo Beach Resort Limited was sold to Cooperative Bank of Kenya Limited Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme as evidenced by the agreement for Sale dated 4th May 2022 marked as Annexure RG 5, and transfer dated 5th October 2022 marked as Annexure RG 6."
The attention now turns to the Senate, where the 67 members of the Senate will hear the charges. If more than two-thirds or 45 members vote to impeach Gachagua, the deputy president will cease to hold office.
Gachagua becomes the first Deputy President to be impeached under the 2010 constitution.
