A Kenyan High Court is set to deliver its ruling today on a legal challenge by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, seeking to stop the Senate debate and vote on his impeachment. Gachagua, who was impeached by the National Assembly last week on 11 charges, including corruption, has denied the allegations and claims that the impeachment process was rushed and unfair.
The court case, filed by Gachagua, aims to prevent the upper house from proceeding with the debate scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. High Court judge Enock Chacha Mwita will issue the ruling at 2:30 pm (1130 GMT).
This case is one of more than 24 court challenges against Gachagua's impeachment, the first of its kind against a deputy president since the provision was introduced in Kenya’s 2010 constitution. On Monday, Chief Justice Martha Koome empanelled a three-judge bench to hear a consolidated case involving six of these petitions.
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Gachagua, a prominent businessman and a key figure in President William Ruto’s government, is accused of supporting youth-led anti-government protests and threatening a judge. Despite these accusations, he remains hopeful that the judiciary will uphold his rights. "I believe in the independence of the judiciary," Gachagua stated during a church service on Sunday, expressing confidence in the legal system.
President Ruto has yet to comment publicly on his deputy's impeachment. For Gachagua’s removal to be finalized, the Senate would need a two-thirds majority vote in favor of his ouster.
