NAIROBI, Kenya – High Court cases filed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have been put on hold pending a ruling by the Supreme Court that will determine whether the current bench is constitutionally valid.
During a court mention on Tuesday, a three-judge bench led by Justice Erick Ogola was informed that the cases cannot proceed because the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court have pending decisions that directly affect the constitution of the High Court panel.
A court official told the bench that the Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on January 30, a decision that will determine whether the High Court can continue hearing the matters or must be reconstituted.
“The Supreme Court is going to render a decision on this bench on 30th January,” the court was told.
Justice Ogola said the Supreme Court’s ruling is central to the dispute and will guide whether the High Court can lawfully continue handling the cases.
As a result, the judge directed that the matters be mentioned again on February 10, after the Supreme Court delivers its decision, for further directions.
The cases stem from petitions filed by Gachagua challenging various actions taken during and after his tenure as Deputy President.
The outcome of the pending Court of Appeal and Supreme Court decisions will determine whether the High Court proceedings will resume or require a new bench.
