Kenyan Court Upholds Gachagua Impeachment, Bars Him From Public Office

A Kenyan court has upheld the 2024 impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, effectively preventing him from holding public office.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, a three-judge High Court panel dismissed Gachagua’s claims that the impeachment process was politically motivated and unfair. However, the court found that the Senate violated his rights by continuing the proceedings after he fell ill and failed to adjourn the hearing.

Despite this finding, the judges ruled that the violation did not invalidate the impeachment. Gachagua was awarded 50 million Kenyan shillings ($386,000; £290,000) in compensation.

The decision deals a major blow to Gachagua’s political ambitions, including any future presidential bid, as impeachment disqualifies him from holding public office.

Gachagua, who was not present in court when the 350-page judgment was delivered, has vowed to challenge the ruling through his legal team.

His removal from office came after a public fallout with President William Ruto. Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to impeach him, accusing him of corruption, promoting ethnic division, and undermining the government. Gachagua has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically driven.

The court also confirmed the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as deputy president, replacing Gachagua.

Since leaving office, Gachagua has emerged as one of President Ruto’s strongest critics and has built significant support in the Mount Kenya region.

Ahead of the ruling, he called on his supporters to remain peaceful, saying he was prepared for any outcome while hoping for justice. He also urged them to express their frustrations through the ballot box during next year’s elections.

Ruto and Gachagua were elected together in 2022, with their alliance helping secure strong backing from Mount Kenya, home to the Kikuyu community, Kenya’s largest voting bloc.

Gachagua’s impeachment occurred months after widespread anti-government protests swept across Kenya. Demonstrators breached security and set part of the parliamentary building on fire, while dozens of protesters were killed during a security crackdown.

The unrest was triggered by unpopular tax increases that were later withdrawn by the government. However, public dissatisfaction has continued, with fresh demonstrations taking place last month over rising fuel prices.