Gachagua Set For New Legal Battle To Overturn “Fraudulent” Impeachment

Rigathi Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has announced a fresh legal offensive to challenge his 2024 removal from the Office of the Deputy President. Speaking in Bamburi, Mombasa County, on Sunday, Gachagua maintained that his impeachment was a “fraudulent and illegal” process that violated the Constitution. Despite his family’s reservations due to the public humiliation he faced, Gachagua expressed unwavering confidence in the judiciary’s ability to rectify the situation.

“Watertight Case”: Gachagua’s New Petition

Gachagua revealed that his legal team has spent months building a comprehensive case to prove that his ousting lacked constitutional merit. He emphasized that his return to court is a quest for justice, not just for himself, but for his supporters.

“I told my children about it and they opposed it, saying I faced humiliation. They were traumatized that a man we had helped to be President was embarrassing us… But we have faith that three judges will do what is right and apply the law.” — Rigathi Gachagua

Allegations of Bribery and Impunity

The DCP leader received vocal support from Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who accompanied him to the coast. Musyoka made explosive claims regarding the conduct of the National Assembly and the Senate during the impeachment proceedings. He alleged that some lawmakers were offered between Ksh 10 million and Ksh 20 million to vote in favor of the impeachment. Furthermore, the Wiper leader asserted that these “illegalities” would be exposed during the court sessions, claiming some legislators have already confessed to receiving bribes.

A Look Back: The Constitutional Deadlock

The battle over Gachagua’s removal has been mired in procedural disputes since October 2024. A key point of contention remains the formation of the bench that initially heard his petition. Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu appointed Justices Eric Ogolla, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi to hear the case, but Gachagua’s legal team argued this was unconstitutional, maintaining that only the Chief Justice possesses the authority to empanel such a bench. Consequently, proceedings were previously postponed following a Court of Appeal decision, leaving Gachagua’s status in a legal gray area.

Looking Toward 2027

Rigathi Gachagua holds the historic distinction of being the first Deputy President impeached under the 2010 Constitution, serving the shortest term in that office to date. Having moved on from the Kenya Kwanza administration, Gachagua is now a central figure in a United Opposition front. This coalition has publicly vowed to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, framing Gachagua’s legal battle as the first step in ousting the current administration from power. The petition is expected to be filed between Monday and Wednesday this week.