Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday struck a conciliatory tone as his impeachment case proceeded at the High Court of Kenya, thanking Kenyans for closely following the proceedings and expressing hope for a favourable outcome.
“I take this moment to thank all Kenyans who have stood with us and followed the court proceedings today. May justice prevail. God bless Kenya,” he said after the hearing.
His remarks came as the court continued to hear his petition challenging his October 2024 removal from office, setting the stage for a legal contest that could test the limits of Parliament’s authority in removing a deputy president.
Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 after the National Assembly of Kenya overwhelmingly backed a motion accusing him of gross misconduct, abuse of office and violation of the Constitution. The charges ranged from alleged interference in state functions to claims of undermining government operations.
The motion then moved to the Senate of Kenya, which conducted a high-stakes trial. Senators upheld several of the charges, effectively sealing his removal from office in a process that drew sharp political divisions and public scrutiny.
Through his lawyer Paul Muite, Gachagua told the court he had dropped his bid to be reinstated and would instead pursue compensation and a declaration that the impeachment was unlawful.
“The petitioner has abandoned the prayer for reinstatement,” Muite said, signalling a strategic shift as the case entered a critical phase.
Gachagua argues that the process leading to his ouster was unconstitutional, claiming he was denied a fair hearing and that Parliament acted with undue haste. His legal team also contends that public participation was inadequate and that the constitutional threshold for removing a deputy president was not met.
The State has defended the impeachment, maintaining that all procedures were followed in line with the law.
If the court rules in his favour, Gachagua could be entitled to compensation, including salary and benefits for the remainder of his term.
The case, now before the High Court in Nairobi, is expected to resume in early May.
