‘We will listen, study and scrutinize all charges’ – Senator Onyonka assures as Gachagua impeachment case heads to senate

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Wednesday, October 9, 2024
10:40 am

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Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka has assured Kenyans of the Senate’s fair trial of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment case.

Taking to his official X account on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Onyonka stated that the Amason Kingi-led Senate will listen, study and scrutinize all the charges laid against DP Gachagua.

Onyonka further promised to be personally impartial and fair during the hearing of Gachagua’s impeachment case that is now headed to the Senate.

“I hear you. We will listen, study and scrutinize all the charges laid. I promise to be IMPARTIAL and FAIR. I understand the weightiness of this issue,” Onyonka wrote on X.

Onyonka on pertinent issues

However, the vocal lawmaker gave an assurance that the impeachment case would not shift his focus from the most pertinent issues affecting Kenyans.

He pointed out that answers must be sought on why the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) management system has collapsed barely days after the official rollout.

“Our focus remains on the most pertinent issues affecting Kenyans. We must seek answers why SHA/SHIF mgt system has collapsed!” Onyonka stated.

Onyonka’s statement comes a day after DP Gachagua was impeached in a historic vote in the National Assembly on a motion for his removal.

Gachagua impeached

A total of 281 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted for his removal while 44 backed him and one abstained.

MPs broke into song and dance shortly after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula made the announcement at 9.20 pm.

The 59-year-old politician who rose to a DP after one term as an MP had dramatically fallen out with his boss, President William Ruto.

Gachagua faced 11 counts of impeachment revolving around gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office and corruption.

The National Assembly had given Gachagua time to defend himself against the accusations, prior to the voting that saw him ousted as DP.

Embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua when he appeared before parliament during his impeachment debate on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/ParliamentKE

The matter will now move to the Senate which will hear the impeachment case against DP Gachagua and should the National Assembly decision be held, he cease to hold office as the DP.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi in a gazette notice dated Wednesday, October 9, 2024, stated that he had appointed the Wednesday, October 9, 2024, senate sitting to hear the charges in the matter of the proposed removal from office by impeachment, of DP Gachagua.

The Senate Wednesday sitting kicked off at 9:30 am.