NAIROBI, Kenya— Kenya’s political and legal landscape is set for a major moment on Monday as the High Court delivers its highly anticipated judgment in the impeachment case filed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The ruling, expected nearly 20 months after Gachagua’s removal from office, will determine whether the court upholds or overturns the Senate’s decision to impeach him, in a case that has attracted national attention and could shape future interpretations of constitutional accountability processes.
The matter will be determined by a three-judge bench comprising Justice Eric Ogola, Justice Anthony Mrima and Justice Frida Mugambi.
Gachagua challenges legality of impeachment
At the centre of the case is Gachagua’s argument that the impeachment process violated constitutional and legal requirements.
The former Deputy President contends that he was denied a fair hearing and that the proceedings leading to his removal failed to meet the constitutional threshold required for impeachment.
Although he later dropped his request for reinstatement to office, Gachagua is still seeking compensation and damages arising from what he describes as an unlawful and unconstitutional process.
The judgment is expected to address key constitutional questions surrounding due process, parliamentary oversight and the limits of impeachment powers under Kenya’s Constitution.
Former DP says he is ready for any outcome
Speaking during a service at PCA Mutero Church in Nairobi on Sunday, Rigathi Gachagua said he remained confident in the country’s judicial system and was prepared to accept the court’s decision.
“We are ready for whatever outcome. If the three judges rule that we were treated unfairly and against the law and the constitution and lift the impeachment and let us be, we shall be grateful to God and we shall be very grateful that there is a justice system in Kenya that works,” he said.
At the same time, he indicated that a ruling against him would not mark the end of the legal battle.
“If the ruling goes the other way, it is still okay. We will still have an opportunity to go to the Court of Appeal and follow the legal remedies that have been provided by the constitution,” he added.
His remarks suggest that regardless of Monday’s outcome, the case could continue through Kenya’s appellate courts.
Judgment could shape future impeachment disputes
Beyond its immediate impact on Gachagua, the ruling is expected to establish important legal precedent on how impeachment proceedings should be conducted in Kenya.
Constitutional experts and political observers have closely followed the matter because of its implications for due process, parliamentary accountability and the protection of public officials’ rights during removal proceedings.
Ahead of the judgment, Gachagua appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid any form of unrest.
“I ask my supporters to suppress their anger because we are peaceful people and we believe in doing things peacefully,” he said.
He further urged Kenyans to channel political grievances through democratic processes, emphasising that elections remain the ultimate avenue for expressing political choices.
As the country awaits the court’s decision, attention will be on whether the judges uphold the Senate’s actions or find fault with the impeachment process. Either way, the judgment is likely to become one of the most consequential constitutional rulings in recent years and could influence both Kenya’s legal landscape and political discourse heading into the next election cycle.
