A key question now being asked is: Can an impeached deputy president still vie for the presidency?
According to legal expert Charles Kanjama, the law does not stop Gachagua from contesting in 2027 as long as his impeachment case is still under litigation.
He explained that the Constitution protects the right of every Kenyan citizen to vie for office, and unless a court delivers a final ruling barring him, Gachagua remains eligible.
Kanjama pointed out that impeachment cases are often long and complex. In Gachagua’s matter, his legal team has already filed multiple appeals, some of which were sent back to the High Court.
This, the lawyer said, raises questions about delays and whether the case can be concluded before the next election cycle.
Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 after the National Assembly and Senate upheld charges of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
His removal was largely fueled by accusations of tribalism and a bitter fallout with President William Ruto.
However, Gachagua’s lawyers maintain that the impeachment was politically motivated and unconstitutional.
They argue that he was elected by millions of Kenyans in 2022, and therefore removing him without a proper legal process also undermined the people’s vote.
His team further accused some judges of bias and even asked three—Justices Eric Ogola, Frida Mugambi, and Anthony Mrima—to step aside from hearing the case.
Kanjama noted that if the courts fail to deliver a final ruling before 2027, Gachagua cannot be blocked from seeking the presidency. “Unless all appeals are exhausted and a judgment delivered, his political ambition is alive,” he said.
Meanwhile, the opposition is also facing internal wrangles as other leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, and Eugene Wamalwa angle for the same presidential ticket.
Gachagua has already declared his intention to run, setting up what could be one of the most competitive races in Kenya’s history.
His team further accused some judges of bias and even asked three—Justices Eric Ogola, Frida Mugambi, and Anthony Mrima—to step aside from hearing the case.
Kanjama noted that if the courts fail to deliver a final ruling before 2027, Gachagua cannot be blocked from seeking the presidency. “Unless all appeals are exhausted and a judgment delivered, his political ambition is alive,” he said.
Meanwhile, the opposition is also facing internal wrangles as other leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, and Eugene Wamalwa angle for the same presidential ticket.
Gachagua has already declared his intention to run, setting up what could be one of the most competitive races in Kenya’s history.
Tags
Politics