COURTROOM ERUPTS IN LAUGHTER AS GACHAGUA TEAM DISMISSES RETURN-TO-OFFICE CLAIMS
By Miraj Guo
NAIROBI, KENYA — The High Court briefly erupted in laughter on Thursday after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s legal team firmly stated that he has no interest in reclaiming his former office, currently held by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The light moment occurred during the fourth day of hearings before a three-judge bench led by Justice Eric Ogola, where multiple petitions challenging Gachagua’s impeachment are being heard.
Tension had been building in court after lawyers representing Deputy President Kindiki raised concerns that some of the arguments being presented by Gachagua’s side appeared to suggest a potential attempt to reverse the October 2024 impeachment and reinstate him to office.
In response, Gachagua’s advocate moved to clarify his client’s position in categorical terms, stating that the former deputy president had no interest in returning to the office he previously held.
“I need to make it clear. Our client has no interest in their client’s office,” the lawyer said, a remark that triggered spontaneous laughter from judges, advocates, and attendees in the courtroom.
Despite the humorous moment, the case remains a serious constitutional dispute. Gachagua has filed 40 consolidated petitions seeking to overturn the Senate’s impeachment ruling, which he argues was unconstitutional, procedurally flawed, and executed at what his legal team termed “an ungodly speed.”
Rather than seeking reinstatement, his legal team says the primary objective is to have the impeachment nullified, clearing his name and restoring his political standing. A successful outcome would also remove constitutional restrictions barring him from holding public office.
Gachagua is also seeking compensation covering salaries, allowances, and retirement benefits he would have earned had he completed his term.
The National Assembly and Senate, in their defence, maintain that the impeachment process complied fully with constitutional timelines under Article 145 and argue that the courts cannot interfere with parliamentary procedure.
Earlier proceedings also heard testimony from Gachagua’s cardiologist, Dr. Daniel Gikonyo, who told the court that the former deputy president was hospitalized at Karen Hospital due to severe chest pains during part of the impeachment process, raising questions over whether he was denied a fair hearing.
However, parliamentary lawyers disputed the claim, insisting that impeachment proceedings followed strict constitutional timelines that could not be extended.
Justice Ogola adjourned the matter to May 22, 2026, for further directions as hearings continue.
