Embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has found solace in scripture following his impeachment by the National Assembly on Tuesday night. A majority of Members of Parliament voted 281 to 44 in favor of the motion to oust him, marking a significant political shake-up in the country.
Key Highlights:
- Gachagua quoted biblical verses on social media after his impeachment, emphasizing a message of resilience and gratitude.
- He expressed his belief that his impeachment was unfair and defended his comments on national security issues.
- The impeachment motion will now move to the Senate for further deliberation within seven days.
A Biblical response to Impeachment
Following the National Assembly’s decision, Gachagua took to his social media accounts to share his thoughts. He quoted 1st Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” He also referenced Jeremiah 30:19, which speaks of thanksgiving and honor. In his posts, Gachagua affirmed, “It is well,” indicating his acceptance of the Assembly’s decision.
Before his impeachment, Gachagua had two hours to present his defense against 11 charges, which he described as unfair. He claimed he was merely following in the footsteps of President William Ruto, who, during his own tenure as Deputy President, criticized security agencies. “My opinions during the media briefing in Mombasa were not different from what happens in other countries when intelligence agencies fail,” he asserted.
Next steps in the Impeachment Process
The impeachment motion will be forwarded to the Senate, where Speaker Amason Kingi is expected to convene a special session within a week to discuss the matter. During this session, lawmakers will debate the charges against Gachagua, leading to the formation of an 11-member committee tasked with investigating the allegations over the next ten days.
If the committee finds insufficient grounds for impeachment, the motion will be dismissed. However, if the Senate supports the charges, Gachagua will be granted a final hearing before a vote among the senators.
Background Information
Gachagua’s impeachment is unprecedented in Kenya’s political landscape, drawing significant attention as it reflects growing tensions within the government. His rise to the deputy presidency was marked by promises of unity and progress, but his tenure has faced numerous challenges, including controversies over his public statements. As the Senate deliberates on the matter, the nation watches closely, considering the implications of this political crisis on the future of the current administration.
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