How impeachment verdict has shut door on Gachagua's revival bid
Crime and Justice
By
Irene Githinji
| Jun 09, 2026
Court upholds Gachagua impeachment, halting political comeback bid. [Courtesy, Standard]
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has indicated that he will appeal after the High Court upheld his impeachment, a decision that bars him from holding public office and deals a significant blow to his political ambitions.
The ruling was a major make-or-break moment for Gachagua, who had hoped the court would find that his removal from office was unconstitutional and procedurally flawed. Instead, he now faces the task of charting a new political path while pursuing legal redress.
For much of the day yesterday, attention was focused on a three-judge bench comprising Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima and Frida Mugambi as they delivered the highly anticipated judgment.
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However, the ruling went against Gachagua’s expectations, dealing a setback to his efforts to overturn his impeachment nearly 20 months after he was removed from office.
The judgment is expected to shape future impeachment proceedings, but it leaves Gachagua with limited options beyond pursuing an appeal, a move he had already signalled.
Among the key findings, the court held that the National Assembly conducted a constitutionally sufficient public participation exercise during the impeachment process. The judges also found that allegations of bias against parliamentary speakers, MPs and senators were unsupported by evidence and amounted to political dissatisfaction and suspicion.
The court further ruled that public participation was not required in the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President.
Since his impeachment in October 2024, Gachagua has consistently challenged the legality of the process, arguing that he was denied a fair hearing. Although he later dropped his demand for reinstatement, he sought compensation and damages for what he described as an unlawful process.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader on Sunday said he was prepared for any outcome and urged his supporters to remain calm. “I ask you to pray for us. I was removed from office against the law and the Constitution. We are ready for any outcome,” he said.
“If the ruling goes the other way, it is still okay. We still have another opportunity to go to the Court of Appeal and pursue the remedies provided by the Constitution.”
Political analyst Barrack Muluka said the ruling places Gachagua in a difficult position politically. “He could begin losing the grip he has been developing in the Mt Kenya region. Losing means he must appeal, but it is still a significant blow,” he said.
“Ruto would have looked very bad politically. The State would have had to decide whether to appeal or face Gachagua politically. Either way, one of the two would have suffered a major setback,” he added.
Another political analyst, Herman Manyora, argued that a favourable ruling would have strengthened Gachagua’s influence within the opposition, even if he ultimately chose not to run for president.
“In my view, it would have strengthened his bargaining position. He could have said he was cleared to run, but had chosen to support another candidate,” he said.
He noted that such an outcome would also have given Gachagua greater leverage in discussions surrounding a running mate and broader coalition negotiations.
Political commentator Anthony Ikonya described the ruling as a landmark decision and noted that Gachagua remains within his constitutional right to appeal. He said the case raised important questions about the standard of evidence required when Parliament acts in a quasi-judicial capacity.
According to Ikonya, a victory for Gachagua would have revitalised his political standing and increased his influence among opposition leaders.
“Gachagua knows he may not necessarily become president, but he can be a kingmaker. A favourable ruling would have strengthened his bargaining power and given him greater political leverage,” he said.