DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua….Photo/CG
By Alex Wekesa
The High Court of Kenya officially upheld the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, declaring that the Senate’s decision to remove him from office remains valid.
In a landmark 350-page ruling delivered by a three-judge bench, the court dismissed Gachagua’s claims of deep political bias.
However, in a surprising twist, the court found that the Senate violated Gachagua’s right to a fair hearingby refusing to adjourn the proceedings when he suddenly fell ill.
While judges ruled this violation was insufficient to overturn the overall impeachment, they awarded Gachagua Ksh 50 million in constitutional damages as compensation.
What Gachagua Says
- Constitutional Coup: Gachagua publicly blasted the verdict, labeling his removal a coordinated “constitutional coup” engineered by his former boss, President William Ruto.
- Rejection of Damages: He completely rejected the court-awarded compensation, stating, “If I could reject Sh2 billion, offering me Sh50 million is a serious joke.”
- Appellate Battle: He confirmed that his legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, will immediately move to the Court of Appeal to challenge the ruling, aiming to fully preserve his political career.
Possible Political Consequences
- The Bar from Office: Under the current ruling, the sustained impeachment strictly bars Gachagua from holding any public or elective office. His 2027 presidential ambitions hang entirely on an appellate overturn.
- Mt. Kenya Fragmentation: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned that the impeachment was a calculated trap to split the Mt. Kenya vote. By elevating Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, the ruling risks deepening the political rift between East and West Mt. Kenya.
- Opposition Realignment: Forced to look outside the state machinery, Gachagua has firmly integrated into the United Opposition ecosystem alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. This creates a formidable anti-Ruto coalition targeting the 2027 General Election.
