The High Court has upheld the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, a three-judge bench found that the process used by Parliament and the Senate to remove Gachagua was constitutional. However, the court ruled that the Senate violated his right to a fair hearing by refusing to adjourn his trial when he was hospitalized.

As a result, the court awarded Gachagua KSh 50 million in damages to be paid by the Senate.

Reactions

  • Gachagua described the judgment as “not only bad, but incurably bad.” He rejected the KSh 50 million award as an insult and said he will appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal.
  • Supporters in Mt Kenya region expressed disappointment, with some calling the ruling a “miscarriage of justice.”
  • Political observers say the ruling avoids a constitutional crisis by keeping the current Deputy President in office.

The case stemmed from Gachagua’s impeachment in late 2024. The former DP has vowed to continue fighting the decision and unite opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.