Kumbe the National Assembly is saying Rigathi Gachagua got a fair shake in his impeachment? Well, bana, lawyers for parliament just came out guns blazing in court, insisting the former DP was heard loud and clear before they showed him the door in October.

The Defence That Just Won't Quit

During the hearing of Gachagua's appeal challenging his October 2024 impeachment, National Assembly lawyer Tom Ojienda walked into that courtroom like someone ready for a proper fight. This man told the three-judge bench, sawa sawa, that Gachagua had more than enough time to prepare his case — charges were read on October 9, and the Senate trial happened October 16 and 17. Sija even a week, lakini parliament is saying it was sufficient.

Ojienda went further, arguing that the whole proceedings strictly followed constitutional timelines and Senate standing orders like they were reading from a rulebook authored by God himself. The Kisumu Senator made it clear: once impeachment kicks off, it cannot be stopped, paused, or delayed ndio uone. According to him, Articles 145 and 150 of the Constitution are crystal clear about keeping these things moving fast-fast.

Why Parliament Says Gachagua Can't Complain

Here's the thing that's catching attention — parliament's team argued that impeaching a deputy president isn't your average court case. This involves national security, public accountability, and serious political implications that require speed and efficiency. They're basically saying, "Aki, this isn't a traffic case where you can postpone endlessly."

Ojienda even pulled up the Supreme Court's ruling in Mike Sonko's impeachment case, saying the apex court warned against unnecessary delays. Translation? The courts themselves have said impeachment proceedings need to move quickly, no matatus here. Parliament is submitting that Gachagua had his chance, the Senate heard him substantively, and they made their decision. Ndio, the proceedings were fair, period.

The Real Question Everyone's Asking

But here's where it gets spicy — does one week really give someone enough time to prepare a defence against impeachment charges? Gachagua's team is in court arguing otherwise, and honestly, the nation is watching this like it's a playoff match. Will the judges agree with parliament's timeline argument, or will they say Gachagua got short-changed?

This court case is basically testing whether Kenya's impeachment process can handle pressure or if it's actually as fair as parliament claims. The decision will shape how future impeachments go down, so trust me, everyone's paying attention to this one.

The Jukwaa Take: Parliament's saying they played it fair, but the courts will have the final say on whether one week to defend yourself against removal is actually justice or just a speed run to the exit.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya