DP: Theatre of absurd remark not directed at Parliament

NAIROBI: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended himself from accusations of disrespecting the National Assembly by describing the debate on his impeachment as ‘theatre of the absurd’.

While defending himself on the floor of the House against the impeachment charges Tuesday evening, the DP said his remarks were on allegations that he was undermining devolution by holding meetings to fight illicit brew.

Tiaty MP William Kamket had initially demanded that Gachagua render an apology over the remarks before he proceeded with his defence.

“I’m sorry, Mr Speaker, if the House took it that I said the House is a theatre of the absurd. I was talking about this specific charge of ‘undermining devolution by holding meetings to fight alcohol’ to be discussed in this House,” Gachagua said.

“That to me, that moment—five or ten minutes—that would be the theatre of the absurd. I did not attribute in any way by trying to demean this House that I served for five years by calling it the theatre of the absurd,” the DP explained.

Gachagua said drug and alcohol abuse has been on the rise in the country and affected a great number of youth. You have become addicts and destroyed their lives.

He said many have dropped out of school to engage in crime to look for money to buy alcohol.