KIAMBU, Kenya – In his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital last weekend, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, currently fighting his impeachment, attended a church service at St. James ACK Cathedral in Kiambu.
This appearance marked a rare moment for Gachagua, who has faced intense scrutiny and legal battles since his ouster.
Addressing congregants in his Central Kenya home turf, Gachagua called on Kenyans to keep President William Ruto in their prayers, highlighting the enormity of the challenges facing the country.
He expressed particular concern about economic strain and the state of healthcare, which he said are leaving Kenyans “feeling helpless.”
“I ask Kenyans to remain peaceful and pray for our President William Ruto,” Gachagua told the congregation. “He needs wisdom to navigate the challenges affecting the Kenyan people. Our people are feeling helpless because of economic adversities, over-taxation, and failing health systems.”
Accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, alongside prominent political allies such as former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala and Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa, Gachagua underscored his desire for national solidarity and spiritual support as the government grapples with economic pressures.
This show of public solidarity comes amid a significant legal battle for Gachagua, whose political fate now rests with a three-judge bench.
Following his impeachment on October 17, in which a majority of senators upheld five of eleven charges presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, Gachagua sought judicial intervention.
His legal team argues he was denied a fair hearing, citing that his health condition prevented him from taking the stand during the proceedings.
In his appeal to the court, Gachagua successfully obtained an order halting the swearing-in of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his successor.
His case will next be heard on October 29 by a bench composed of Justices Freda Mugambi, Eric Ogolla, and Anthony Murima, who recently dismissed Gachagua’s claim that Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu lacked the authority to appoint them.
This appearance marked a rare moment for Gachagua, who has faced intense scrutiny and legal battles since his ouster.
Addressing congregants in his Central Kenya home turf, Gachagua called on Kenyans to keep President William Ruto in their prayers, highlighting the enormity of the challenges facing the country.
He expressed particular concern about economic strain and the state of healthcare, which he said are leaving Kenyans “feeling helpless.”
“I ask Kenyans to remain peaceful and pray for our President William Ruto,” Gachagua told the congregation. “He needs wisdom to navigate the challenges affecting the Kenyan people. Our people are feeling helpless because of economic adversities, over-taxation, and failing health systems.”
Accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, alongside prominent political allies such as former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala and Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa, Gachagua underscored his desire for national solidarity and spiritual support as the government grapples with economic pressures.
This show of public solidarity comes amid a significant legal battle for Gachagua, whose political fate now rests with a three-judge bench.
Following his impeachment on October 17, in which a majority of senators upheld five of eleven charges presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, Gachagua sought judicial intervention.
His legal team argues he was denied a fair hearing, citing that his health condition prevented him from taking the stand during the proceedings.
In his appeal to the court, Gachagua successfully obtained an order halting the swearing-in of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his successor.
His case will next be heard on October 29 by a bench composed of Justices Freda Mugambi, Eric Ogolla, and Anthony Murima, who recently dismissed Gachagua’s claim that Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu lacked the authority to appoint them.
