NAIROBI, Kenya—The Farmers Party has announced plans to lead a peaceful demonstration today at the official Deputy President’s residence in Karen, Nairobi, demanding the reinstatement of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a notice to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Farmers Party requested security for what it described as a constitutional procession aimed at “reinstalling” Gachagua as Deputy President-designate.
“This is a democratic and constitutional duty,” said George Wakibi, the party’s executive director. “We are guided by the rule of law… and wish to be counted in this momentous time where constitutionalism must be corrected and upheld.”
The protest comes just four days after a three-judge bench of the Court of Appeal ruled that Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu acted beyond her powers when she appointed a bench to hear petitions filed by Gachagua and his allies.
The petitions had sought to bar Kindiki from assuming the office of Deputy President, citing constitutional irregularities in the process that led to his appointment.
The court sided with Gachagua on the procedural matter, agreeing that only the Chief Justice—currently Martha Koome—has the constitutional mandate to empanel such a bench under Article 165(4) of the Constitution.
However, the broader outcome left Gachagua’s challenge without a proper hearing and paved the way for Kindiki’s confirmation.
Tensions have been simmering since Gachagua’s impeachment late last year, and the Farmers Party has positioned itself as one of the more vocal groups opposing the transition.
In the party’s view, Gachagua remains the “rightful holder” of the office and must be reinstalled in line with the 2022 general election results.
