Kenya’s political landscape took another dramatic turn on Monday after the High Court upheld the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, effectively cementing his removal from office while exposing flaws in the Senate’s handling of the proceedings.
In a judgment delivered by a three-judge bench consisting of Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi, the court dismissed petitions challenging the October 2024 impeachment. The judges ruled that Parliament acted within the Constitution and that the public participation process met the required legal standards.
However, the court also found that Gachagua’s constitutional right to a fair hearing had been violated after the Senate declined to postpone the proceedings despite his absence on medical grounds. Consequently, the judges awarded the former Deputy President Sh50 million in damages, to be paid by the Senate.
The ruling immediately sparked reactions across the country, with supporters and critics of Gachagua interpreting the decision in different ways.
Among those celebrating the verdict was Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, one of the most vocal defenders of the impeachment process. Reports indicated that the mood within Sudi’s political circle was jubilant as news of the court’s decision spread. Supporters gathered to follow live coverage of the judgment, with many describing the ruling as a major victory for constitutional institutions.
Political allies close to Sudi argued that the judgment validated the actions taken by Parliament and reinforced confidence in the country’s democratic processes. Conversations among supporters quickly shifted to what the ruling could mean for future political alignments and the balance of power ahead of the next electoral cycle.
On the other side of the political divide, allies of Gachagua expressed disappointment with the outcome. While acknowledging the court’s findings regarding the violation of his fair trial rights, they maintained that the former Deputy President had been treated unfairly throughout the impeachment process and hinted at pursuing additional legal and political options.
The verdict also generated intense debate online, where Kenyans shared sharply contrasting views. Some welcomed the ruling as a triumph of accountability and constitutional order, while others viewed it as another chapter in an increasingly polarized political environment.
Political analysts believe the judgment will have far-reaching consequences beyond Gachagua’s removal from office. The court’s decision to award damages and its observations on procedural fairness are expected to influence how future impeachment proceedings involving senior state officials are conducted.
As the dust settles on one of Kenya’s most closely watched political battles, attention is now turning to how key political players will reposition themselves. The ruling may have settled the legal questions surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment, but it is also likely to shape new political rivalries and alliances in the months and years ahead.
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