Shortly after Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana filed a censure motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday, September 23, Environment CS Aden Duale responded.
In a statement, Duale argued that Mungatana cannot initiate an impeachment motion, as such motions can only be initiated by the National Assembly.
"To senator Mungatana, read the constitution: A motion for impeachment of the Deputy President can only originate in the National Assembly pursuant to Article 150 of the Constitution. To note is that also only a Member of the Assembly can initiate the process," Duale remarked.
However, in a swift response, Mungatana clarified to Duale that he had filed a censure motion, not an impeachment motion.
"It seems you have stayed too long in the executive and you have forgotten that there's a difference between a motion of censure and a motion of impeachment. I have filed a motion of censure, not impeachment. Please read your files," the lawmaker stated.
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An impeachment motion is filed to remove an official from office, while a censure motion is an official expression of disapproval regarding the conduct of a public official and does not result in removal from office.
Speaking on Monday after filing the motion, Mungatana stated that the conduct of the deputy president was unbecoming.
“I have today, September 23, 2024, filed a motion of censure against the holder of office of the Deputy President because of conduct unbecoming of that office,” Mungatana remarked.
He added that once approved, the motion will be tabled in the Senate for debate.
