Gachagua Hospitalized, Lawyer Paul Muite Says

Lawyer Paul Muite has revealed that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is currently experiencing chest discomfort and has been admitted to Karen Hospital in Nairobi.

The lawyer informed the Senate Plenary that the Deputy President had been admitted to Karen Hospital in Nairobi due to severe chest pains. This development occurred just as Gachagua was set to testify in his defence against the impeachment charges. Muite emphasizes that Gachagua’s absence from the proceedings is not voluntary but necessitated by medical circumstances. According to Muite, a team of doctors at Karen Hospital has prescribed complete bed rest for the Deputy President. Given the gravity of the situation, Muite requests an adjournment of the hearing until Tuesday, October 22, arguing that it would be in the interest of justice to allow Gachagua time to recover and present his defence.

However, the request for adjournment has faced opposition from lawyers representing the National Assembly, including Eric Gumbo who contends that the impeachment motion should proceed. Gumbo argues that continuing the hearing would not prejudice Gachagua, as the law allows for representation through affidavits or legal counsel in lieu of personal appearance. The impeachment charges against Gachagua include allegations of corruption, promoting ethnic divisiveness, and insubordination. These accusations have drawn significant public and media attention, with Gachagua maintaining his innocence and characterizing the proceedings as a politically motivated witch hunt.

In response to the conflicting positions, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi suspended the session, scheduling its resumption for 5:00 PM where Muite is expected to provide an update on Gachagua’s condition and his ability to testify. Muite has bolstered his argument for adjournment by referencing Article 145 (6) of the Constitution, which outlines the procedure for impeachment hearings. He notes that the article does not specify a time limit for the accused to be heard, suggesting that granting Gachagua a brief extension would be within constitutional bounds.

“The sad reality is that the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya has been taken very sick and as I address Mr Speaker and this House, he is in the hospital. So I do leave the matter in your hands. I would suggest article 145 (6b) doesn’t have a time limit; give the DP a couple of days,” said Muite.