Kenyan MPs trade barbs after Gachagua impeachment Court Verdict

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The High Court upheld Rigathi Gachagua’s 2024 impeachment on June 8, 2026, but awarded him KSh50 million in constitutional damages.

The ruling came from a three-judge bench (Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Murima and Freda Mugambi) at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.

It confirmed that the National Assembly and Senate followed constitutional procedures under Articles 145 and 150 overall, despite finding a violation of Gachagua’s right to a fair hearing (the Senate refused an adjournment when he was ill). 

The court did not reinstate him, affirmed Kithure Kindiki as the current Deputy President, and left issues like pensions for other proceedings.

Background of Gachagua's case

1. Impeachment process (Oct 2024): The National Assembly passed an 11-charge motion (initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse) with a massive 281-44 vote, citing gross misconduct, corruption, ethnic division, and undermining the President/government. The Senate upheld key charges days later.

Gachagua (who served ~766 days as DP) challenged the process in court, leading to prolonged litigation.

2. Reactions and "Trading Barbs"

Kenyan politics is heating up with sharp exchanges (the "barbs") among MPs and leaders following the verdict:

Supporters of the impeachment (many aligned with President William Ruto or from Mt. Kenya) view it as closure and a win for accountability. Some MPs have highlighted procedural compliance and criticized Gachagua’s past actions.

Gachagua’s allies argue the ruling is flawed or politically influenced, with predictions of an appeal. Gachagua himself has downplayed it as “not a death sentence” for his 2027 political ambitions and called for calm.

Tensions are especially high in Mt. Kenya, where the impeachment was seen by some as a betrayal, exacerbating ethnic and regional political rifts.

Public and parliamentary discourse has been fiery, with accusations of judicial bias, “bought” decisions, or celebrations over Gachagua’s confirmed ineligibility for certain offices. Social media and live TV coverage show polarized takes, typical of Kenyan politics.


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