GACHAGUA SKIPS HIS HIGH STAKES IMPEACHMENT HEARING

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua chose to follow proceedings from his Karen residence on Monday as a three-judge bench delivered its long-awaited judgment in the case challenging his impeachment from office.

Rather than attend the session at Milimani Law Courts, Gachagua spent the day in the company of his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, their two sons, and opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa. Photos shared by his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) showed the leaders gathered at his home as they awaited the outcome of a case that has dominated Kenya's political and legal discourse for months.

The judgment, delivered by Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima and Freda Mugambi, is expected to shape not only Gachagua's political future but also the relationship between Parliament and the Judiciary in impeachment disputes.

The former deputy president had appealed to supporters to pray for him and remain peaceful ahead of the ruling. Speaking during a church service at PCEA Muteero Church in Karen on Sunday, Gachagua said he was prepared for whichever direction the court would take.
"I ask you to pray for us. We were removed from office against the law and against the Constitution," he told congregants.

He added that he would respect the court's decision regardless of the outcome, insisting that Kenya's institutions must be allowed to function independently.
"If the ruling goes the other way, it is still okay. We still have an opportunity to go to the Court of Appeal and follow the remedies that have been provided by the Constitution," he said, while urging his supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt public order.

The legal battle stems from Gachagua's impeachment in October 2024. During the Senate proceedings, he personally appeared before lawmakers to defend himself against a series of accusations before later being admitted to hospital, a development that would become a key pillar of his court challenge.

The Senate ultimately upheld five charges against him, including allegations of violating constitutional provisions on leadership and integrity, undermining the independence of the Judiciary, breaching obligations attached to his oath of office, contravening provisions of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, and gross misconduct linked to public attacks on the National Intelligence Service.

Gachagua has consistently maintained that the process was unfair and unconstitutional.

His legal team argues that he was denied sufficient opportunity to defend himself and that procedural safeguards, including meaningful public participation, were not fully observed.

Although he initially sought reinstatement to office, the former deputy president later shifted his legal strategy. He is now seeking compensation for salary and benefits lost following his removal, restoration of retirement benefits attached to the office of deputy president, and damages reportedly running into tens of millions of shillings.

Beyond the courtroom, the case carries major political implications. In recent months, Gachagua has emerged as one of the most vocal figures within the opposition and has positioned himself as a key player in efforts to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

His supporters believe a favourable ruling would strengthen his argument that he was a victim of political persecution and provide a powerful boost to his standing, particularly in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region. On the other hand, a ruling against him would reinforce the position of lawmakers who voted for his removal and hand President Ruto's allies fresh ammunition in the ongoing political contest.

Even so, political observers note that the court battle is unlikely to determine Gachagua's political relevance on its own. With the opposition still debating who should carry its presidential flag in 2027, the former deputy president remains a significant figure whose influence extends well beyond the legal questions before the court.

Whatever the outcome, Monday's judgment marks another major chapter in a political saga that has tested the limits of parliamentary power, judicial oversight and the future direction of Kenya's opposition politics.