Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says he will accept the verdict when the High Court delivers its judgement on his impeachment case. However, the Democracy for Citizens Party leader says he will appeal the outcome if the three-judge bench determines against him.
“If the ruling goes the other way, it is still okay,” he said.
“We will still have an opportunity to go to the Court of Appeal and follow the legal remedies that are provided by the Constitution.”
Speaking on Sunday, June 7, during a church service in Karen, Nairobi, Gachagua stated that the matter before the courts is one he believes will ultimately test both the strength of Kenya’s justice system and the resilience of democratic institutions.
He was optimistic that the judiciary would handle the case independently and fairly, saying he holds faith that the court will deliver justice not only to him personally, but also to his supporters who have closely followed the legal and political developments surrounding his impeachment.
“We are ready for whatever outcome.”
Gachagua is set to know his fate on 8 June, when the High Court will deliver judgment in consolidated petitions challenging his October 2024 impeachment.
The petitions before the court challenge the constitutionality and legality of his removal from office by the National Assembly and subsequent conviction by the Senate.
Gachagua observed that he will be vindicated should the court rule in his favour and determine that due process was not followed in his removal from office, adding that it would also be a reaffirmation of his long-held belief in the rule of law.
“I have confidence that our judiciary is independent, impartial, and will give justice to Rigathi Gachagua and millions of his supporters across the country.
“I want to urge my supporters that, irrespective of the outcome, to remain calm and peaceful.” he added, reinforcing his call for restraint as the country awaits the High Court’s decision.
Gachagua is seeking, among other reliefs, compensation equivalent to the salary and benefits he would have earned had he completed his five-year term from his election in 2022.
He also seeks a declaration that his impeachment was unconstitutional and unlawful.
His legal team has maintained that the impeachment process was marred by procedural flaws, including what they term as a denial of a fair hearing and an overly expedited process.
