Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has suspended the Senate proceedings until 5 PM after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s lawyers reported that he had fallen ill and been admitted to a hospital in Nairobi.

“Having heard both sides—the Deputy President’s and the National Assembly’s—on this matter, I shall proceed to give directions,” said Mr. Kingi this afternoon.

He continued, “Since this process is time-bound, I will suspend the sitting until 5 PM, after which we shall determine the way forward.”

Mr. Gachagua reportedly fell ill after the lunch break, leading to his hospitalization.

His lead lawyer, Senior Counsel Paul Muite, informed the Senate of the situation.

“Mr. Speaker, as you know, the Deputy President has been appearing in the chambers punctually. Upon investigating his absence, I discovered that he has been taken ill and admitted to a hospital,” stated Mr. Muite.

Mr. Muite further requested that Speaker Kingi allow him the rest of the day to ascertain the severity of Mr. Gachagua’s condition and to explore the possibility of his attendance at a later time.

“I request you, Mr. Speaker, to allow me the rest of the day to find out how serious the matter is and the possibility of having the DP in the chambers,” he added.

Mr. Gachagua was scheduled to be cross-examined this afternoon by the National Assembly’s lead counsel and Siaya Governor James Orengo.