Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula condemned Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua harshly for her two-hour television interview on Tuesday, describing it as “abhorrent” and unsuitable due to its discussion of a proposal that Parliament is now considering.
Wetangula made the comments before the much-awaited impeachment hearing, which has the potential to put an end to Gachagua’s political career.
“I will not act as a judge in this matter, but I must put on record that the Deputy President’s conduct was, to say the least, abhorrent, especially considering the ongoing parliamentary proceedings,” Wetangula said.
According to the Speaker, the National Assembly’s Standing Order 85 forbids Members of Parliament from interrupting officially presented proposals during a discussion.
Wetangula stated that even though Gachagua is not a member of the National Assembly, the standing rules still apply to him because he is personally involved in the current motion.
“Standing Order 85 explicitly prohibits members of this House from preempting debate on a motion for which notice has been issued,” Wetangula said. “When interpreted broadly, the order also applies to non-members, particularly those directly affected by such motions.”
Wetangula stated that Gachagua should have exercised caution and declined the broadcast interview, given that he was the subject of the impeachment proceedings.
Wetangula stated, “I believe the Deputy President should have shown restraint and avoided the media interview given the special motion’s scheduled debate and vote today.”
“This House has allowed the Deputy President to explain himself; we cannot debate that. It has to do with keeping order and honouring the legislative process.”
Gachagua addressed the accusations that form the foundation of the impeachment motion at a live briefing on Monday.
Claiming that the accusations were part of a political scheme to damage his name and force him out of government, he rejected the claims as ludicrous and inflammatory.
Gachagua asserts that the impeachment effort on Tuesday, in which lawmakers attempt to remove a leader chosen by voters through lies, would be the most ignominious act in House history.