Kenyan High Court Upholds Impeachment of Gachagua

The Kenyan High Court upheld the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, confirming that the impeachment process is primarily a legislative function and that judges cannot substitute Parliament's judgment on removal grounds. The court acknowledged procedural shortcomings but ruled that the outcome remained valid despite violations of Gachagua's constitutional right to a fair hearing.

The court found that Gachagua was denied a full opportunity to defend himself during the impeachment proceedings, which took place in October 2024, leading to an award of 50 million Kenyan shillings in damages. However, the court rejected the possibility of reinstating Gachagua, citing legal provisions for appointing a successor, Kithure Kindiki.

The judges warned that reversing the impeachment could create a constitutional crisis. Gachagua faced 11 charges, including allegations of making ethnic divisive remarks, and he plans to appeal the court's decision, which has significant political implications as he seeks future electoral opportunities.