City Lawyer and Gema Watho Association challenge Gachagua's impeachment in court

By Robert Mutasi 

A petition by city lawyer Steven Mbugua and Gema Watho Association has been lodged in court to contest the impeachment of outgoing Kenya Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

The High Court has certified the case as urgent and has slated it for mention on October 25, 2024. 

Justice Bahati Mwamuye, who is handling the case, issued directions on Wednesday on the way forward for the case.

The petitioners said the impeachment of Gachagua had not been transparent and legal, adding that he has faced spiraling political pressure over the past few months. 

In his view, Mbugua said, the joint petition aims to try and stop the impeachment process, citing what they termed as legal flaws.

What the petitioners want is for the court to intervene judicially and stop the impeachment process forthwith as it embarks on a comprehensive review of the process.

"A petition we jointly filed with the Gema Watho Association challenging the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua has been considered as urgent and listed for further directions on 25th October 2024 before Justice Bahati," Mbugua said, confirming that the court had agreed to fast-track the hearing of the case.

Justice Mwamuye ordered that petitioners serve the court documents relevant to the respondents and interested parties during the delivery of the ruling.

"The petitioners/applicants are to serve the petition, application, and these directions on the respondents and interested parties by the close of business on 23/10/2024 and file an affidavit(s) of service in that regard," he ordered.

The Gema Watho Association, which has joined this petition, is representative of a big chunk of the Kikuyu community and enjoys powerful political influence in the region. 

Their involvement signals the high political stakes in the case, with Gachagua still a central figure in the Mount Kenya political landscape.

The hearing has come at a time when Kenya is awash with high-octane political maneuvering ahead of the next general elections.

The impeachment of Gachagua, which was initiated early this year, has been at the center of heated debate and criticism among members of the public, with some arguing that it is meant to curb the alleged misconduct of the officer, while the supporters of the officer, among others, have termed it as politically motivated.

The hearing of the case will continue on the 25th day of October, whereby each party will argue its case and the court rule on whether to let the impeachment go on or to dismiss it.