Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

Second Day of Gachagua impeachment hearing

The impeachment hearing of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Senate is expected to enter its second day on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

During the session, the National Assembly is expected to present its second set of witnesses as it moves to prosecute its case against the Deputy President.

Senior officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) are among those expected to appear before the Senate. Although their appearance was objected to, Speaker Amason Kingi assured Gachagua’s legal team that they would have the opportunity not just to re-examine such witnesses but also to raise objections whenever such witnesses go outside the issues being litigated before the House.

However, day one was filled with drama, tension, and spirited legal prowess as both legal teams took centre stage. Governor Siaya James Orengo led the National Assembly team, while senior counsel Paul Muite led Gachagua.

At the tail end of the hearing on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the mover of the motion Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse where was cross-examined by Gachagua’s legal team.

Voting by Senators

After both teams are done presenting their arguments, the Senators are expected to vote on each ground of the impeachment motion.

For the impeachment to succeed, at least two-thirds of all senators (45 out of 67) must vote to uphold any of the charges.

During the opening of the impeachment hearing, Kingi stressed the importance of impartiality and adherence to constitutional principles throughout the process.

As Kenya navigates this uncharted constitutional territory, all eyes are on the Senate as it prepares to make a decision of national importance, testing the country’s constitutional mechanisms and the balance of power within its government.

Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi stated: “Honourable Senators, This impeachment Motion is unique and unprecedented as it is the first ever to propose the removal from office, by impeachment, of a Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. This moment calls for deep reflection on the critical responsibility of the Senate in investigating such proposals for the removal of State Officers from office. The impeachment process is a fundamental tool of legislative oversight and a crucial aspect of the constitutional mechanism for checks and balances.”

Anticipation for U17 World Cup 

The final stretch for the preparation for the U17 World Cup campaign will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in the morning before Junior Starlets take on England on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 2:00 AM.

The Junior Starlets are making their debut on the global stage after an excellent qualification campaign and equally convincing performances in three friendly matches.

Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia are the nations that will represent Africa in the Dominican Republic in a tournament that kicked off on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

All eyes will be on Kenya, especially from East African countries who will be keen to see how the girls will fare in their debut appearance at the global showpiece.

Among the three African nations, Nigeria is the most experienced side in this tournament, as they have appeared in six of the seven showpieces. In 2022 in India, they finished third, and expectations are high on them as continental fans hope they will make them proud.