COURT DELAYS GACHAGUA'S POLITICAL FREEDOM

About a year after his impeachment, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is still awaiting clarity on his political fate after a three-judge bench comprising Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi postponed the hearing of his case to December 16, 2025.

This adjournment is courtesy of ongoing appeals challenging the legality of the bench earmarked to preside over the case. The move comes after the Court of Appeal suspended over 40 related petitions pending the determination of Gachagua’s appeal, which challenges the authority of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu to empanel the three-judge bench.

Speaking during a High Court session, Gachagua’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, argued that the pending appeal would have a significant bearing on the current proceedings, particularly on issues of court jurisdiction and the processes thereof.

“We are seeking a way forward on whether the court would proceed during the continuation of that matter. The outcome of the appeal would have a serious impact on the matters before you,” Njiru stated on Tuesday, 7.

In her directive, Justice Freda Mugambi saw it meet to await the superior court’s ruling before resuming the hearing.

“In light of the pending matters that are before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, we hereby vacate the earlier dates that had been fixed or highlighted for submissions,” she said.

Gachagua was impeached following his fallout with President William Ruto in late 2024. The former Deputy President was removed from office by the Senate after being found guilty of multiple charges, including corruption and misconduct.

Following the Senate’s verdict, Gachagua moved to court to challenge both the process and the outcome of his impeachment, terming it politically motivated and procedurally flawed. He also faulted the process for lacking public participation and claimed it violated constitutional principles.

In a show of renewed confidence, Rigathi Gachagua, who many had expected to fade into political oblivion, has instead re-emerged as a thorn in President William Ruto’s flesh. The former Deputy President remains optimistic that his impeachment will be overturned — a development that would clear the way for him to contest future political positions.

Gachagua has also taken a bold step by launching his own political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party, declaring that it aims to challenge and defeat President Ruto in the 2027 General Election, and reclaim dominance over Mt. Kenya’s parliamentary seats currently held by the UDA Party.

Should the court overturn his impeachment, it would mark an early political victory for Gachagua. However, a ruling upholding his removal would deal a major setback to his ambitions of making a presidential comeback.