The High Court has upheld the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, delivering a landmark ruling that validates the Senate's decision to remove him from office. The judgment, delivered by a three-judge bench comprising Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi, brings to a close a legal battle that has lasted nearly 20 months.
Gachagua had challenged the impeachment process, arguing that it was unconstitutional, rushed, and denied him a fair hearing. His legal team also raised concerns about inadequate public participation and procedural irregularities during the proceedings.
However, the court found that Parliament acted within its constitutional mandate and that the impeachment process met the required legal threshold. The judges ruled that both the National Assembly and the Senate followed the law and allowed Gachagua to defend himself.
The ruling effectively cements Gachagua's removal from office and strengthens the legitimacy of the subsequent appointment of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Political observers view the decision as one of the most consequential constitutional rulings in recent Kenyan history, with significant implications for governance and accountability.
Gachagua had challenged the impeachment process, arguing that it was unconstitutional, rushed, and denied him a fair hearing. His legal team also raised concerns about inadequate public participation and procedural irregularities during the proceedings.
However, the court found that Parliament acted within its constitutional mandate and that the impeachment process met the required legal threshold. The judges ruled that both the National Assembly and the Senate followed the law and allowed Gachagua to defend himself.
The ruling effectively cements Gachagua's removal from office and strengthens the legitimacy of the subsequent appointment of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Political observers view the decision as one of the most consequential constitutional rulings in recent Kenyan history, with significant implications for governance and accountability.
