Senators barred from travelling outside the country ahead of Rigathi Gachagua impeachment plenary hearing
All Senators and staff of the Senate have been temporarily barred from travelling out of the country pending the Senate's determination of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment.
In a notice to all Senators, Speaker Amason Kingi also directed all Senate committees to immediately suspend any scheduled activities outside Nairobi until Saturday, October 19, 2024.
"As you are aware, the Senate has substantive upcoming business for consideration in the coming days. Given the gravity of these matters, it is paramount that we maintain a focused presence in the Senate."
"To this end, all travel by Honourable Senators and members of staff in the Senate outside the Country have forthwith been put on hold. I also urge Committees to put on hold activities outside Nairobi, effective today, Tuesday, 8th October 2024 until, Saturday, 19th October 2024," reads the notice.
According to the Speaker, the travel restriction is meant to ensure that all Senators participate in the impeachment proceedings "without distractions or disruptions."
The Senate will determine Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's fate within 10 days.
This is after Senate Speaker Amason Kingi received a communication from his National Assembly counterpart Moses Wetangula, detailing the MPs' resolution to impeach the DP on Tuesday.
Kingi has since directed the Clerk of the Senate to issue invitations to the Deputy President to defend himself against the 11 grounds for his removal from office. The clerk was also required to invite the mover of the motion to present their case.
Both invitations ought to be sent before the close of business on Wednesday, October 9.
The parties will be required to file their responses with the office of the clerk of the senate by 5:00 pm on Monday, October 14.
The clerk will then circulate documents received from the parties including the plenary hearing program to all honourable senators upon receipt on Monday next week.
The Senate shall investigate the matter in plenary on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17.
