Court to decide impeachment case on Gachagua

A three-judge bench will Monday deliver its long-awaited judgment in the impeachment case filed by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.

All eyes will be on the High Court judges as they deliver their judgement on the case nearly 20 months after Gachagua’s impeachment.

It will determine whether the court upholds or overturns the Senate’s decision to remove him from office.

Gachagua is challenging the legality and constitutionality of the impeachment process, arguing that he was denied a fair hearing and that the proceedings failed to meet the constitutional threshold required for his removal.

The matter will be determined by a bench comprising Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima and Frida Mugambi.

Although Gachagua dropped his bid for reinstatement to office, he is still seeking compensation and damages arising from what he terms as an unlawful process.

Speaking on Sunday during a church service at PCA Mutero Church in Nairobi, Gachagua said he was prepared for any outcome and maintained confidence in the judicial process.

“We are ready for whatever outcome. If the three judges rule that we were treated unfairly and against the law and the constitution and lift the impeachment and let us be, we shall be grateful to God and we shall be very grateful that there is a justice system in Kenya that works,” he said.

The former DP indicated that he would move to the Court of Appeal should the bench rule against him.

“If the ruling goes the other way, it is still okay. We will still have an opportunity to go to the Court of Appeal and follow the legal remedies that have been provided by the constitution,” he added.

Gachagua also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and avoid any form of unrest regardless of the outcome.

“I ask my supporters to suppress their anger because we are peaceful people and we believe in doing things peacefully,” he said, adding that political grievances should ultimately be expressed through the ballot.