The High Court of Kenya has delivered one of the most consequential political judgments in the country’s recent history, upholding the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while awarding him KSh50 million in damages paid by The Senate. The ruling effectively validates Parliament’s decision to remove him from office, ending a legal battle that has dominated Kenya’s political landscape since October 2024.
A three-judge bench comprising Justice Eric Ogola, Justice Anthony Mrima, and Justice Frida Mugambi delivered judgment on petitions filed by Gachagua challenging the constitutionality of his impeachment. The former Deputy President had argued that the process violated constitutional provisions and denied him a fair hearing.
The court, however, upheld the impeachment process, affirming the decision reached by both the National Assembly and Senate in 2024.
The political fallout traces back to growing tensions between President William Ruto and his then-deputy, Gachagua. What began as subtle disagreements within the Kenya Kwanza administration eventually escalated into a public political divorce. Following the nationwide Gen Z-led protests of 2024 and growing criticism of government policies, cracks within the ruling coalition became increasingly visible. By October 2024, Parliament initiated impeachment proceedings against Gachagua, accusing him of:
* Gross violation of the Constitution
* Abuse of office
* Ethnic incitement
* Undermining government operations
* Violating his oath of office
* Improper conduct incompatible with his office
Gachagua denied all allegations and described the process as a politically orchestrated attack. Ultimately, senators upheld five of the eleven charges against him.
