Court Upholds Gachagua's Ouster, Awards Him Sh50m Compensation

The Kenyan High Court has delivered a landmark verdict against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, upholding his impeachment and ordering him to receive Sh50 million in compensation. High Court judges Eric Ogola, Freda Mugambi, and Anthony Mrima read 350 pages of their final judgment, handing down the verdict.

Gachagua, the former deputy president of Kenya, was impeached by the Senate in February 2026. The court dismissed his lawsuit challenging the Senate's move, finding that the Senate had the authority to remove him from office. In doing so, the judges ruled that the Senate had acted within its powers.

### Who is Rigathi Gachagua?

Gachagua, a seasoned politician, has been a key figure in Kenyan politics for decades. Born on February 19, 1965, in Nyeri, Kenya, Gachagua served as the Member of Parliament for Mathira constituency from 2002 to 2013. He also held various other positions, including the Minister of Water and Irrigation. Gachagua's career has been marked by controversy, with allegations of corruption and abuse of power, which have damaged his reputation.

### The Impeachment Process

Gachagua was impeached by the Senate in February 2026 on charges of abuse of office and gross misconduct. The Senate voted overwhelmingly to remove him from office, citing irregularities in his dealings with the state. Senator Ledama Olekina tabled the impeachment motion, accusing Gachagua of misusing his office to enrich himself and his allies. The court found in favor of the Senate's decision, concluding that Gachagua had indeed abused his office.

The court ruled that the Senate had the power to remove Gachagua from office, and awarded him Sh50 million in compensation for the violation of his rights. According to the court's ruling, Gachagua's rights had been violated, and he was entitled to compensation.

### What Comes Next?

The court's decision has sparked widespread debate in Kenya, with many questioning the future of the country's politics. Opponents of Gachagua have hailed the verdict as a victory for accountability and good governance, while supporters of the former deputy president have vowed to appeal the decision. The Kenyan government has announced that it will respect the court's ruling and allow the process to continue.

In a statement, the Kenyan government said, 'We respect the court's decision and will cooperate fully with the process. We are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.'

The court's decision is a significant development in Kenya's politics, with far-reaching implications. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by observers around the world, and will likely shape the future of Kenya's politics.

### Key Facts

  • The court awarded Gachagua Sh50 million in compensation for the violation of his rights.
  • In February 2026, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to impeach Gachagua.
  • Senator Ledama Olekina tabled the impeachment motion against Gachagua.
  • Gachagua served as the Deputy President of Kenya from 2022 to 2026.
  • The court's decision upholds the Senate's authority to remove Gachagua from office.
  • Gachagua has vowed to appeal the decision, which is expected to continue the ongoing debate in Kenya's politics.