High Court to Rule on Gachagua Impeachment Case on June 8

The High Court will deliver its ruling on 8 June in former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s challenge to his impeachment.

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Eric Ogolla, Freda Mugambi and Anthony Mrima completed hearings last week after five days of submissions from lawyers representing Gachagua, Parliament, the Senate and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Justice Ogolla said the judgment will be delivered at the Milimani Law Courts’ ceremonial hall at 11 a.m.

Gachagua argues that his removal from office in October 2024 was unconstitutional. His legal team maintains that the impeachment process was conducted too quickly, denied him a fair hearing, and did not comply with constitutional requirements, including adequate public participation. They argue that the pace of the proceedings undermined due process and weakened safeguards against arbitrary removal from office.

He is seeking court orders declaring the impeachment unlawful, as well as compensation equivalent to the salary and benefits he would have received had he completed his five-year term after his 2022 election. His lawyers also cited his medical condition during the Senate hearings, with his doctor, Daniel Gikonyo, telling the court that his illness affected his ability to fully participate in the process.

Parliament and the Senate maintain that the impeachment complied with constitutional and legal procedures. They argue that Gachagua was represented by lawyers throughout the process and was given a fair hearing. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s legal team also disputed claims that illness prevented participation, arguing that this was not a valid reason to avoid Senate proceedings.