The deployment of additional security comes after a court in Kerugoya ordered that the public participation exercise be held at the constituency level. Police headquarters instructed regional and county commanders to ensure proper deployment of officers. Areas that are seen as potentially hostile received extra security, with officers equipped in anti-riot gear.
An official familiar with the situation stated, “If you don’t want to participate, don’t go there. Stay away and let those willing to do so.” This message is intended to encourage peaceful participation in the process.
The National Assembly announced on Friday that the public participation exercise on Gachagua’s impeachment motion would be extended to Saturday, October 5. This extension allows Kenyans more time to share their opinions on the matter. Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, confirmed the extension followed a High Court order to ensure adequate public involvement.
Njoroge stated that public gatherings would be allowed at each Constituency or County Woman Representative’s office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This opportunity will enable citizens to participate actively in the discussions about the impeachment motion.
The High Court emphasized that public participation should involve all citizens and should not be treated as a mere formality. Justice Richard Mwongo of the Kerugoya Law Courts stated that the process must be clear, inclusive, and transparent, allowing all voices to be heard.
Despite Gachagua’s petition against the public participation exercise, claiming that a single day is insufficient for meaningful input, the exercise began as scheduled on Friday.
The National Assembly has a seven-day deadline, which ends on Tuesday, to decide on the impeachment motion before it is forwarded to the Senate.
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