Editor's Review

I can't see how these allegations can survive forensic scrutiny by an independent and impartial Court - Ahmednasir Abdullahi.

Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has hit out at lawyers representing the National Assembly in Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment hearing at the Senate.  

In an update on X on Wednesday, October 16, the lawyer commended submissions made by lawyers representing Gachagua compared to those representing the National Assembly. 

Ahmednasir noted that after observing the submissions, allegations against Gachagua would be dismissed if presented before an independent Court.

"Listening to the opening statements by Governor James Orengo for the National Assembly and that by Elisha Ongoya for DP Rigathi Gachagua... The inescapable conclusion is that first, Ongoya is doing an excellent job compared to Orengo. 

"Second, the allegations as far as the submission by Ongoya show look weak and ridiculous. I can't see how these allegations can survive forensic scrutiny by an independent and impartial Court," he stated.

Gachagua arrived at the Parliament buildings on Wednesday morning accompanied by his lawyers, to defend himself before the Senate plenary against the charges brought against him. 

File image of a section of lawyers representing the National Assembly

The deputy president's defence team is led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite and lawyers Elisha Ongoya, Tom Macharia, Swanya Victor Ogeto, Ndegwa Njiru and John Njomo.

Other lawyers representing Gachagua are Faith Waigwa, Amos Kisilu, George Wandati, George Sakimpa, Andrew Muge, Eric Naibei, Juliah Omwamba, and Willis Echesa.

On the other hand, the National Assembly's legal team in the impeachment trial is led by Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Other lawyers representing the National Assembly include Paul Nyamondi, Eric Gumbo, Kipkogei Moses Kipkemoi, Mouthomi Thiankolu, Peter Wanyama, Melly Kennedy Kipkoech, and Joan Jeruto.

Muruki Eric Mwirigi, Mwereru Boniface Mawira, Ondago Kevine Otieno, Alex Mbaya, Kennedy Kyalo and John Mwangi Kang'u are also among the National Assembly's legal team.

At the same time, the National Assembly designated Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, his Tharaka counterpart George Murugara, Samuel Chepkong'a (Ainabkoi), John Makali (Kanduyi) and Mombasa Women Representative Zamzam Mohammed to represent the House in the proceedings.