Kenya’s High Court has upheld the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, dealing a major setback to his political future while also awarding him compensation for a violation of his rights during the Senate proceedings that led to his removal.
In a lengthy 350-page judgment delivered on Monday, a three-judge bench rejected Gachagua’s challenge against the October 2024 impeachment, dismissing claims that the process had been driven by political bias and unfair targeting.
The court ruled that the impeachment remains valid, effectively preventing Gachagua from holding public office and complicating any future bid for the presidency.
However, judges found that the Senate acted improperly when it refused to suspend proceedings after Gachagua became ill during the hearing.
While determining that the rights violation did not invalidate the outcome, the court ordered compensation of 50 million Kenyan shillings (about $386,000 or £290,000) to be paid to the former deputy president.
Gachagua was absent from court when the decision was announced, but his lawyers immediately indicated they would challenge the ruling in a higher court.
The judgment also confirmed the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as deputy president, ending any lingering uncertainty over the succession process that followed Gachagua’s dramatic exit from government.
The former deputy president’s removal marked one of the most significant political ruptures in Kenya’s recent history. Once a key ally of President William Ruto, Gachagua helped deliver crucial support from the Mount Kenya region during the pair’s successful 2022 election campaign.
Their relationship later deteriorated, culminating in impeachment proceedings that saw lawmakers overwhelmingly vote to remove him from office.
He faced accusations including corruption, promoting ethnic divisions and undermining the government. Gachagua consistently denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and lacking evidence.
On 8 October 2024, Kenya’s National Assembly approved impeachment charges against him. Nine days later, the Senate upheld five of the 11 accusations, including claims that he inflamed ethnic tensions through divisive public statements, encouraged ethnic discrimination, violated his oath of office and publicly attacked the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Following the Senate’s decision, Gachagua ceased to serve as deputy president.
President Ruto subsequently nominated Kindiki as his replacement. Although court orders initially delayed the swearing-in process, those restrictions were later lifted, paving the way for Kindiki to take office.
Despite his removal, Gachagua has remained a prominent political figure. He has become one of the government’s most vocal critics and has built strong support in the Mount Kenya region, a political stronghold of the Kikuyu community, Kenya’s largest voting bloc.
Ahead of Monday’s ruling, Gachagua urged his supporters to remain peaceful regardless of the outcome. He said he hoped for justice not only for himself but also for the millions of Kenyans who back him politically.
He also encouraged supporters to channel their frustrations through the ballot box during future elections.
The impeachment saga unfolded against a backdrop of growing public anger toward the government.
In 2024, Kenya witnessed massive anti-government demonstrations sparked by proposed tax increases. Protesters breached parliamentary security and set part of the legislature building ablaze, while dozens were killed during a security crackdown.
Although the government later withdrew the unpopular tax measures, public dissatisfaction has continued. Demonstrations were again held last month over rising fuel costs and broader economic concerns.
Born on 28 February 1965, Gachagua served as Kenya’s second deputy president under the 2010 Constitution from September 2022 until his impeachment in October 2024.
Before that, he represented Mathira constituency in Parliament and held several government positions, including district officer, assistant secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage, and aide to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He currently leads the Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) Party, which was launched in May 2025.
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