A Kenyan court has upheld the 2024 impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, effectively barring him from holding public office and dealing a major blow to his political future.
A three-judge panel of the High Court dismissed Gachagua’s claims that the impeachment process was politically motivated and unfair. However, the court ruled that the Senate violated his constitutional rights by refusing to adjourn proceedings after he reportedly fell ill during the impeachment hearings.
Despite finding that his rights had been breached, the judges concluded that the violation was not serious enough to invalidate the impeachment. The court instead awarded Gachagua compensation of 50 million Kenyan shillings ($386,000) for the infringement of his rights.
The ruling significantly weakens Gachagua’s hopes of contesting for the presidency in the future, as impeachment disqualifies him from holding public office under Kenyan law. His legal team has already indicated that it will challenge the decision through an appeal.
Gachagua was removed from office following a bitter fallout with President William Ruto. Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted in favour of his impeachment, accusing him of corruption, promoting ethnic divisions and undermining government operations. He consistently rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically driven.
The court also upheld the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as Gachagua’s successor, affirming the legitimacy of the transition.
Since leaving office, Gachagua has emerged as one of the government’s strongest critics, particularly in Kenya’s Mount Kenya region, where he continues to enjoy significant support. Ahead of the court’s verdict, he urged his supporters to remain peaceful regardless of the outcome and expressed hope that justice would prevail.
He also encouraged his followers to channel their frustrations through the ballot box in future elections rather than through unrest.
Gachagua and Ruto were elected together in 2022, with their alliance playing a crucial role in securing support from the Mount Kenya region, home to the influential Kikuyu voting bloc. Their relationship later deteriorated, culminating in Gachagua’s dramatic removal from office.
His impeachment came during a period of heightened political tension in Kenya, following widespread anti-government protests triggered by controversial tax increases. Demonstrators stormed parts of parliament during the unrest, while dozens were killed during a security crackdown. Although the government later withdrew the tax measures, public dissatisfaction has continued, with recent protests focusing on rising fuel prices.