Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on October 9 banned senators from traveling outside Nairobi ahead of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua‘s impeachment hearing.
In a statement, Kingi directed the senators to suspend their travel plans during the impeachment hearing of DP Gachagua on the floor of the Senate.
“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,” part of the statement read.
Kingi bans senators from travelling
“To this end, all travel by Honourable Senators and members of staff in the Senate outside the Country have forthwith been put on hold,” he stated.
“I also urge Committees to put on hold activities outside Nairobi, effective today, Tuesday, 8th October, 2024 until, Saturday, 19th October, 2024.”
Also Read: What Next in Senate after MPs Pass Impeachment Motion against Gachagua?
This directive aims to ensure that all Senators are able to prioritize their participation in these important proceedings without distractions or disruptions.”
The Senate Speaker’s directive comes after the Senate had earlier convened a meeting to plan for the hearing of charges against the second-in-command.
During the Senate session, members of the Senate declined the establishment of a committee of 11 members to investigate allegations leveled against Gachagua and come up with a report.
Senate convenes meeting for Gachagua’s impeachment hearing
Instead, Senators opted for Gachagua’s hearing to be before a plenary where all members will participate in the impeachment hearing discussions.
Also, during the session, the Senate Speaker directed the Senate clerk to send invitations to involved parties with the plenary hearing to be held on October 16 and October 17.
DP Gachagua was impeached after 282 members of the National Assembly voted for his impeachment, which was tabled by Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse.
Following his impeachment, Senate Speaker Moses Wetangula notified Kingi about the decision of the National Assembly in accordance with the constitution.
Also Read: Sifuna Refuses to Second Impeachment of Gachagua
According to the constitution, two-thirds of senators are required to pass the impeachment motion to meet the threshold of the impeachment which constitutes 47 elected senators and 20 nominated senators.
Nonetheless, a minimum of 45 senators are required to support the impeachment motion to remove the second in command from office.
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