Kalonzo condemns swift ouster of Gachagua, cites legal flaws

 

Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised the Senate for “hurrying” the ouster of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The Wiper leader said that Gachagua was unfairly hounded out of office, stating the impeachment process was flawed.

Speaking after meeting Gachagua at Karen Hospital on Friday, Kalonzo said the lawmakers ought to have given Gachagua “enough time” to recuperate before appearing on the floor of the house to defend himself.

“Law of natural justice demands that no person shall be condemned unheard,” he said, exuding confidence that Gachagua will triumph in courts.

“What happened last night (Thursday) in the Senate, as historic as it was, has serious legal flaws,” he added.

“Why was the Senate hurrying to crucify him politically?” Kalonzo posed, further pointing accusing fingers at Speakers Moses Wetangula (National Assembly) and Amason Kingi (Senate) for presiding over an unlawful process.

His sentiments were echoed by other opposition leaders who accompanied him including Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu alongside some Senators allied to Gachagua.

“If we ever doubted that our Parliament is under the control of the Executive, last night was proof,” said Wamalwa.

“It is not all over. Our last line of defence is the Judiciary,” he added, even as they faulted the two houses' leaders for conducting the impeachment process with open bias.

“Open bias shown by the Speaker Wetangula, Deputy Speaker Shollei, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Chief Whip Sylvannus Osoro, could not be a fair trial,” Wamalwa said.

Wamalwa also faulted Raila Odinga’s party, saying other parties in Azimio “can no longer pretend to be on good terms with ODM.”

“Even as we go forward, we can no longer pretend that we are like-minded”, he said.

He reiterated that the coalition has differed with Raila on the decision to join the Kenya Kwanza government, the transition to the Social Health Authority and deals with India’s Adani Group.

Lamu Senator Joseph said he tried all he could to save the former Mathira lawmaker.

Gachagua was taken ill on Thursday and admitted at Karen Hospital, Nairobi where he’s receiving treatment. His doctors said he would be monitored at the facility for 72 hours.

The ex-DP was expected to take the stand at the Upper House before he fell sick just immediately after the morning session was adjourned.