'May justice prevail': Gachagua says as ouster case begins

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed optimism as the hearing of his impeachment case began at the Milimani High Court in Nairobi.

In a post shared on his X account after arriving at court, Gachagua described the day as significant in the legal process challenging his removal from office.

“Day 1 at the Milimani High Court on hearing of the impeachment case,” he said.

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He added a short message seeking divine guidance in the proceedings, stating: “May Justice prevail. God Bless Kenya.”

The hearing marks the beginning of court proceedings in petitions that challenge the legality and process of his impeachment.

The matter has attracted public interest due to its political implications and the broader debate surrounding the removal process.

The cases are expected to be heard at the Milimani Law Courts, where the court will consider arguments raised by parties challenging the impeachment decision.

The case remains one of the closely watched political and legal disputes currently before the courts.

Gachagua was elected in 2022 on the Kenya Kwanza ticket alongside President William Ruto.

October 1, 2024, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse tabled a motion in the National Assembly to impeach Gachagua on 11 charges.

These included gross violations of the Constitution (Articles 10, 27, 73, 75, 129, 147, etc.), promoting ethnic discrimination and inflaming tensions through divisive speeches, violating his oath of office, undermining the President and government, and attacking the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Some charges also alleged corruption and abuse of office.

October 8, 2024, The National Assembly overwhelmingly passed the motion (281–44, with 1 abstention), meeting the two-thirds majority required. Gachagua appeared and denied all charges, calling the process politically motivated.

Senate trial (October 16–17, 2024): This was Kenya’s first-ever impeachment of a sitting Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution.

On October 16, Gachagua appeared before the full Senate, pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges, and the trial began.

On October 17, he was hospitalised with chest pains and did not testify. The Senate refused to adjourn and proceeded without him (his legal team walked out in protest).

Senators upheld 5 of the 11 charges and cleared him on the other 6. They voted to remove him from office.

Gachagua immediately filed multiple petitions in the High Court, arguing that: The process violated his right to a fair hearing, there were constitutional irregularities, and the impeachment was politically orchestrated.