The High Court has upheld the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, ruling that the process leading to his removal from office was lawful and conducted in accordance with the Constitution.
In a landmark judgment that is likely to shape Kenya’s political landscape, the court also affirmed the appointment and swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President, finding that the transition complied with constitutional requirements.
Court Validates Impeachment Process
According to the ruling, the institutions involved in the impeachment process acted within the law, and the constitutional procedures required for the removal of a Deputy President were substantially followed.
The judgment effectively settles one of the most significant constitutional and political disputes in recent Kenyan history, confirming that Gachagua’s impeachment remains valid.
Gachagua Awarded KSh50 Million
Despite upholding the impeachment, the court found that Gachagua’s constitutional right to a fair hearing was violated during part of the proceedings.
The judges noted that the former Deputy President was admitted at Karen Hospital during a critical stage of the impeachment process and that concerns surrounding his participation and ability to adequately defend himself raised constitutional issues.
As a result, the court awarded him KSh50 million in damages for the violation of his rights.
Kindiki’s Appointment Upheld
The court further ruled that the nomination, approval, appointment, and swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President were conducted lawfully and in full compliance with the Constitution.
The decision removes lingering legal uncertainty surrounding Kindiki’s occupancy of the country’s second-highest office.
Major Political Implications
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching political consequences as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
Both supporters and critics of Gachagua are likely to scrutinize the judgment closely, particularly the court’s decision to uphold the impeachment while simultaneously acknowledging violations of his constitutional rights.
Legal experts say the ruling reinforces the principle that public office holders can be removed through constitutional mechanisms while still retaining protection of their individual rights under the law.
Nation Awaits Next Move
The judgment marks a major chapter in the political standoff that followed Gachagua’s removal from office.
Attention now turns to whether the former Deputy President will pursue further legal action or shift focus to his political future ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The case is expected to remain a key reference point in future constitutional disputes involving impeachment proceedings and the protection of fair hearing rights in Kenya.
