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Security has been increased at constituency offices on the second day of public participation regarding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment motion.
This follows disruptions caused by unruly groups during the sessions held on Friday.
The decision to bolster security came after a Kerugoya court mandated that the public participation be conducted at the constituency level to encourage broader involvement from citizens.
Police headquarters instructed regional and county commanders to ensure proper personnel deployment to facilitate the exercise, particularly in areas considered hostile, which received additional security and anti-riot gear.
An official stated, “If you don’t want to participate, stay away and let those who do attend.”
Anti-riot units from the General Service Unit and Rapid Deployment Unit were mobilized to ensure safety in the more volatile regions, with a few staff from MPs’ offices assisting police in managing the process.
The National Assembly has extended the public participation period for the Gachagua impeachment motion to Saturday, October 5, allowing more Kenyans to share their views on the matter.
Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge announced this extension, citing a High Court order, which aims to ensure ample time for citizens across all 290 constituencies to engage in the discussions.
The public can gather at constituency and County Women Representative offices from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to participate.
Njoroge noted that the High Court in Kerugoya acknowledged the public hearings and ordered similar sessions to be held closer to citizens to enhance engagement.
The notice confirmed that all 290 constituency offices and 47 County Women Representative offices will remain open on Saturday for continued public participation in the Special Motion.
The High Court ruled on Thursday that Parliament must conduct a second round of public participation to ensure all Kenyans can voice their opinions. Justice Richard Mwongo emphasized that the process should be clear, inclusive, and transparent, rather than merely a formality.
The public participation process began on Friday, despite Gachagua’s petition against it, arguing that a one-day exercise is “grossly insufficient” for meaningful engagement. The law requires the National Assembly to decide on the impeachment motion within seven days, by Tuesday, before the Senate takes over.
