By Mumo Judah, June 9, 2026
Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita has formally urged the courts to allow former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to contest the 2027 General Election, arguing that barring him from the ballot would deny millions of Kenyans the opportunity to determine his political fate through the democratic process.
Nyamita maintained that the former Deputy President should be allowed to seek the presidency and let voters decide whether to endorse or reject his leadership at the ballot box.
Speaking on the matter, the legislator argued that the ultimate judgment on Gachagua’s political future should rest with wananchi rather than legal restrictions.
“If he has support from millions of Kenyans, then they should be given an opportunity to impeach him properly on the ballot,” Nyamita said.
The remarks come amid ongoing legal battles surrounding Gachagua’s eligibility to hold public office following his impeachment in late 2024.
Gachagua was removed from office after Parliament upheld several charges against him, including allegations of gross violations of the Constitution. Under Article 75(3) of the Constitution, a state officer removed from office through impeachment is generally barred from holding any other state or elective office.
However, Nyamita argued that political disputes should ultimately be settled by voters rather than through court-imposed restrictions. According to him, preventing Gachagua from seeking office would deny Kenyans the chance to express their will through the ballot.
The MP’s position comes as the former Deputy President continues to pursue legal avenues aimed at overturning his impeachment. Gachagua’s allies have maintained that the matter remains active before the courts and that his constitutional rights have not been exhausted.
His legal team has consistently argued that because appeals challenging the impeachment are still pending, he should remain eligible to seek elective office until the judicial process is fully concluded, including any determination by the Supreme Court.
Despite the legal uncertainty, Gachagua has remained firm on his political ambitions and has repeatedly declared that he intends to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election under the banner of the opposition coalition.
The former Deputy President has intensified his political activities in recent months, holding meetings across the country and positioning himself as one of the leading figures seeking to unseat the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Nyamita’s intervention adds a fresh dimension to the debate surrounding the constitutional implications of impeachment and the extent to which voters should have the final say in determining the political future of leaders removed from office.
The courts are expected to continue hearing matters related to Gachagua’s impeachment as the country gradually begins preparations for the 2027 General Election.
