CS Duale Hits Back at DP Gachagua Over Defence on Impeachment Allegations.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale took a swipe at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following the latter’s defense on the allegations levelled against him.

CS Duale, in a brief statement, accused the second in command of attempting to trigger public sympathy and invoke emotions through his remarks. He termed Gachagua’s sentiments as a “decoy to play to the public gallery.”

The CS also criticized the deputy president for his controversial claim that he obtained his top role through elections. According to Duale, Gachagua was not elected by Kenyans but was nominated for the government position by President William Ruto.

“Despite the show this evening, tomorrow we will know in black and white the truth. Quite unfortunate to see a person who became deputy president as a result of being nominated by the president as a running mate chest thump that he was elected by 7.2 million Kenyans,” Duale commented.

While responding to Gachagua’s allegations of shoddy public participation, Duale refuted the claims, stating that no court issued orders to stop the process. He asserted that Kenyans had ample time to submit their views on the special motion.

According to the outspoken minister, the die was already cast, and Gachagua’s controversial remarks against the government would not prevent the impeachment from taking place. “The threats and defense interview cannot stop the train that already left its destination, guided by the Constitution and the law,” Duale remarked.

“As a reminder, the National Assembly Standing Order 51 provides that a Special Motion for removal from office cannot be withdrawn except with the leave of the House. The process cannot be stopped by threats and interviews iced with falsehoods,” the CS claimed.

CS Duale’s statements followed hours after DP Gachagua refuted all the allegations levelled against him by members of the National Assembly through the special motion. Gachagua, while addressing the press at his Karen residence in Nairobi, described the 11 charges against him as outrageous propaganda with no basis.

In his speech, Gachagua claimed that the impeachment motion was a scheme to hound him out of office due to political considerations that had nothing to do with constitutional violations. The deputy president also dismissed rumors that he was contemplating resignation, noting that he would face his accusers head-on and defend himself to the letter.

Gachagua remained confident, stating, “I do not doubt in my mind that I will get justice and this impeachment will be thrown out.”

The DP is set to appear before the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon to formally defend himself against the 11 accusations. Meanwhile, he has prepared a team of 20 top legal minds to help him mount his defense.

With both sides entrenched in their positions, and the political stakes rising, the question remains: Will Gachagua’s defense sway the lawmakers, or will the impeachment motion gather unstoppable momentum?

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.