KeyPoints
- Kiambu Senator concerns about the limited public participation in DP Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings.
- Criticism of the process for failing to meet constitutional standards of inclusivity, transparency, and fairness.
Proposals by Senator Thang’wa:
- Allow live public access to the impeachment debate on 8th October 2024.
- Relocate the session to a larger venue, such as Kasarani Stadium, to accommodate more citizens.
- Set up nationwide viewing facilities in major stadiums for citizens who cannot attend in person.
- Advocate for broader public participation in critical legislation, such as finance and money bills.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has expressed serious concerns over the limited public participation in the impeachment process of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He urged Parliament to take immediate action to increase transparency and ensure more citizen involvement.
In a letter to the Speakers of the Senate and National Assembly, Senator Thang’wa criticized the recent public participation session, noting that it included only 47 polling stations out of a possible 46,229 nationwide. This represents just 0.1% of the total. Thang’wa emphasized that this low level of engagement fails to meet the constitutional requirements for inclusivity and transparency outlined in Article 10 of the Constitution.
“It’s disheartening to see such a crucial process limited to so few polling stations, leaving millions of Kenyans unable to participate due to economic hardships and geographic challenges,” the senator said. He also pointed out that the process did not give Deputy President Gachagua a fair chance to defend himself.
Thang’wa proposed several actions to address these issues:
Live Public Access: He urged Parliament to open the impeachment debate scheduled for Tuesday, 8th October 2024, to all Kenyans, allowing them to witness the proceedings in person. Thang’wa stressed that citizens have the right to observe the defense of Deputy President Gachagua, ensuring a fair hearing under Article 50 of the Constitution.
Larger Venue: Thang’wa called for the session to be moved to a larger venue like Kasarani Stadium to allow more citizens to attend, citing the swearing-in ceremony of President William Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua as an example.
Nationwide Viewing Facilities: He suggested that large screens be set up in major stadiums across the country, enabling Kenyans in every county to follow the proceedings.
Public Participation in Critical Legislation: Thang’wa proposed that Parliament adopt this level of public engagement for all significant bills, such as money and finance bills, allowing Kenyans to formally express their support or opposition.
“The people of this nation are ready to turn out in their thousands—if not millions—to witness democracy in action and hold their leaders accountable,” Thang’wa said, urging the Speakers to act with urgency.
If DP is to be impeached even Ruto should be impeached.