The hearing of the impeachment case involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has resumed at the Milimani Law Courts, reopening one of the country’s most closely watched political and legal battles.
The proceedings have once again placed the spotlight on the controversial removal process that shook the nation and divided political opinion across the country.
A three-judge bench is hearing the petition filed by Gachagua, who is challenging the legality of his impeachment from office.
The case resumed amid heightened public interest, with supporters, legal experts, and political observers closely following every argument presented before the court.
Gachagua’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, argued that the impeachment process carried out by Parliament failed to meet constitutional standards.
According to the lawyers, the process lacked meaningful public participation and was conducted in a manner that violated constitutional procedures.
The former Deputy President’s lawyers also told the court that although they continue to challenge the impeachment, Gachagua is no longer seeking reinstatement to office.
Instead, the legal team is now pushing for compensation related to salary, benefits, and damages allegedly suffered after what they describe as an unlawful removal from office.
During earlier proceedings, the court heard arguments questioning how Parliament handled public participation before approving the impeachment motion.
Lawyers representing Gachagua claimed citizens were not properly involved or educated on the process before lawmakers voted on his removal.
The case traces back to October 2024, when Parliament initiated impeachment proceedings against Gachagua, making him the first Deputy President in Kenya’s history to face such a process under the 2010 Constitution.
The National Assembly voted in favour of the motion before the matter proceeded to the Senate for trial.
At the Senate, the proceedings became dramatic after Gachagua reportedly fell ill before the final stages of the hearing.
His lawyers informed senators that he had been hospitalized with chest pains and requested more time.
However, the Senate proceeded with the process and later voted to uphold several charges against him, leading to his removal from office.
The ongoing court case is now expected to determine whether the impeachment process met constitutional requirements and whether Gachagua’s rights were violated during the proceedings.
The judges are also expected to issue directions on several applications filed by both sides involved in the matter.
Outside the courtroom, the case continues to attract political attention because of its possible impact on the country’s future political landscape.
Gachagua has remained active in national politics since leaving office and has continued to criticize sections of the government, positioning himself as a key political figure ahead of future elections.
Supporters of the former Deputy President argue that the impeachment was politically motivated, while critics insist Parliament acted within the law.
The court’s final decision is therefore expected to carry major political and constitutional significance.
Legal experts say the outcome could shape how future impeachment processes are handled in Kenya, especially regarding public participation, parliamentary procedure, and the rights of senior state officers facing removal from office.
As the hearing continues, many Kenyans are waiting to see whether the court will uphold Parliament’s decision or find flaws in the process that removed one of the country’s most powerful leaders from office. For now, the courtroom battle remains a tense test of law, politics, and constitutional interpretation.
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