Senators have been cautioned against making public comments regarding the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a communication by Speaker Amason Kingi, the senators were advised to desist from discussing the merits and demerits of the case.
He explained that comments by any senator could be presumed to be debated even when the matter had not reached the Senate.
In his caution, he cited a case that was filed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko over comments that were made by a senator during his impeachment motion.
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"During the pendency of these impeachment processes in Parliament and more so in the Senate, I wish to caution Senators from commenting publicly on the merits and demerits of the matters," Kingi directed.
"Doing so would amount to anticipation of debate which itself is against standing order 99 of the senate. It will also amount to gross disorderly conduct within the meaning of standing order 122 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders. Kindly, be guided accordingly."
Gachagua's impeachment motion could be debated in the Senate should two-thirds of the MPs vote to impeach the DP.
Kingi's guidance was made after some Senators asked to be given a direction on the matter given that their comments could be used to challenge their decision on the impeachment.
"Previously, there have been findings in court against senators for utterances that they made before the matter got to the Senate. I'd wish to request your good office to guide senators on how to conduct themselves in the next few days in relation to that matter that's before the National Assembly," Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot inquired.
Already, comments made by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and his deputy, Gladys Boss have been used to challenge the impeachment motion in court by Gachagua.
The two are accused of supporting the impeachment of the DP yet they are expected to be neutral on all matters before the House.
Meanwhile, nationwide public participation is expected to be conducted on Friday, October 10 ahead of the debate in the National Assembly.
