As the Public Participation exercise for the Special Motion on the removal from office by impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua enters its second day, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has issued fresh demands to Parliament, calling for a significant overhaul of how the impeachment motion will be handled.
Senator Karungo in a letter addressed Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, on October 4 demanded for a live debate with full access for Kenyans nationwide.
The lawmaker’s move came in response to what he termed as exclusion of the public from the first public participation exercise of the special motion conducted on Friday.
He raised concerns about the lack of transparency arguing that Kenyans have been sidelined in the process, and insisted that the debate, scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2024, must be public.
“I urge both Houses to extend an open invitation to Kenyans nationwide to attend the live session on Tuesday 8th October 2024 when the impeachment motion will be debated,” Senator Karungo said in the letter, making it clear that this is a right.
He added, “Citizens have the right to witness firsthand the proceedings involving both the mover of the motion and Deputy President Gachagua, who is expected to defend himself in accordance with Article 50, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.
His frustrations stem from the disruptions and limited participation in some areas witnessed on Friday, October 4.
Thang’wa on first-day Public Participation exercise
According to the senator, only 47 polling stations out of over 46,000 were made available for public input, highlighting that it amounts to a mere 0.1 per cent of the population, an engagement he believes undermines the democratic values of inclusivity and transparency enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution.
Also Read: Kicking Out Gachagua: Public Participation Deadline Extended
“Such a limited exercise makes a mockery of our constitutional principles,” Thangwa added.
At the same time, the senator demanded for Parliament to consider relocation of the debate session to a larger venue.
He highlighted that parliamentary gallery accommodates only approximately 300 members of the public and proposed invoking all relevant provisions within Parliamentary Standing Orders to facilitate relocating Tuesday’s sitting to Kasarani Stadium or another venue of similar capacity.
“This would allow for greater public attendance, akin to what was witnessed during the swearing-in ceremony of President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua after the 2022 general election. The significance of this event demands similar national attention,” he added.
Also Read: Gachagua Impeachment Live Updates: Parliament Extends Public Participation Deadline
More demands on DP Gachagua impeachment debate
Also, Thang’wa requested for nationwide viewing facilities for those Kenyans unable to attend in person.
He recommended Parliament to establish large screens in every major stadium across the country to enable citizens to follow proceedings from their respective counties.
The lawmaker has also urged both houses to adopt the broad public participation method when passing money bills, finance bills, or any legislation directly affecting Kenyans.
Thang’wa added, “By extending public participation across all polling stations nationwide, we can allow Kenyans to formally register their support or opposition to such bills through signatures. This approach will foster a deeper connection between Parliament and the people, fulfilling our democratic mandate under Article 118 of our Constitution.
His remarks came after the Public Participation exercise which commenced in most centers across the country on Friday was marred by challenges leading to confrontations among delegates in some counties.
Residents in the Mt. Kenya region counties of Nyeri, Murang’a, Nakuru and Kiambu took to the streets to protest against the government’s decision to conduct the exercise in paperwork. The locals instead, demanded that public participation be done using digital means.
Nyeri and Kiambu residents on the other hand rejected the attempt to kick out the DP claiming that he was elected alongside President William Ruto and hence dismissing one would require the other to step aside as well.
The National Assembly has since extended the public participation exercise to Saturday October 5, 2024, from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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