Elisha Ongoya: Rigathi Gachagua's Fiery Lawyer Deconstructs Motion Mover Mwengi Mutuse's Evidence

 

Elisha Ongoya during cross-examination at the Senate (l). MP Mwengi Mutuse who sponsored Gachagua's impeachment motion (r).

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment hearing is currently underway in the Senate, following his impeachment by 282 Members of Parliament who deemed the allegations raised by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse relevant.  During cross-examination, Gachagua's legal team, led by lawyer Elisha Ongoya, vigorously challenged the motion brought by Mutuse. How did lawyer Ongoya, Mutuse examination go?  In his opening statement, Ongoya characterised the allegations as ranging from "false" to "ridiculous" and even "embarrassing." 

"It may be getting hotter but look at the document, compose yourself and read. What is the total number of shares in Vipingo Beach Company?" Ongoya has him. He scrutinised the list of 22 companies cited by Mutuse, in which the MP stated that they had no significant issues with most of them. "I have come across properties registered to the deputy president, his children, and other proxies accumulating to about KSh 5.2B. There is no clear trace of how he acquired them. I have also listed 22 companies under the DP we believe are being used for money laundering," stated Mutuse. 

Additionally, Ongoya pointed out the claim of Gachagua amassing KSh 5.2 billion in wealth since taking office in 2022. Mutuse affirmed that he reached the figures through his calculations.  Following the examination, many Kenyans have expressed admiration for Ongoya's performance in the Senate. 

by  Nancy Odindo