13 MAY 2025 4.50PM | Mulembe Times
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared renewed confidence in the judiciary, expressing optimism that justice will prevail following a landmark Court of Appeal decision that ruled the process leading to his removal from office was unlawful.
The appellate court quashed a controversial directive issued by Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu on October 18, 2024, which had constituted a three-judge bench to hear a petition challenging Gachagua’s removal. The court maintained that such powers rest solely with the Chief Justice, thereby rendering Mwilu’s action illegitimate and throwing the entire removal process into legal limbo.
The ruling has significant political and constitutional implications, especially as Gachagua positions himself as a key opposition figure ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua Reaffirms Trust in Judiciary
Speaking on Sunday during a church service in Juja, Kiambu County, Gachagua welcomed the ruling, saying it was the first step in restoring justice—not only for him but for the Kenyan people.
“The framers of the 2010 Constitution created four levels of judicial intervention—the Magistrate’s Court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court,” Gachagua said. “If you don’t get justice in one of the levels, you’ll get it in another. In those courts, we have judges of integrity who will give justice not only to Rigathi Gachagua but to the people of Kenya.”
He reiterated that the judiciary remains the final bastion of hope and emphasized his commitment to exhausting all legal channels to reverse what he termed as a politically orchestrated ouster.
Political Comeback in Motion
Gachagua also used the occasion to announce his intention to launch a new political party, promising it would play a pivotal role in unseating President William Ruto in the 2027 polls. He indicated that the party would be backed by a powerful alliance of seasoned political figures and former government officials.
Among those he mentioned as part of his coalition-building strategy are former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Azimio la Umoja principal Kalonzo Musyoka, NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua, and former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa.
“I want to assure you that the coming elections are set. I am there, Kalonzo is there, Karua is there, Matiang’i is there, Wamalwa is there—and we will sit together and agree on one person,” Gachagua affirmed. “They are praying to God that we disagree, but I urge you to pray for our unity so that we liberate this country.”
He also hinted at ongoing discussions with former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, ex-Public Service CS Justin Muturi, and former Trade Minister Mukhisa Kituyi as potential allies in his broad-based movement.
Court’s Decision Sparks Legal Uncertainty
The Court of Appeal’s ruling not only bolsters Gachagua’s legal standing but also casts serious doubt on the constitutionality of appointing Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as his alleged successor. The legal directive now demands that any future petition related to a deputy president’s removal must strictly follow constitutional procedures—beginning with the Chief Justice’s exclusive mandate to empanel a bench.
Legal analysts suggest that this decision may lead to a broader judicial review of recent executive appointments and removals, potentially unsettling power structures within President Ruto’s administration.
“This judgment reinforces the supremacy of constitutional processes and may prompt a rethink in how political disputes are handled in future,” said constitutional lawyer Mary Wanjiku. “It’s a victory for rule of law over political expediency.”
2027 Political Terrain Takes Shape
With the next general election two years away, Gachagua’s re-entry into active politics—bolstered by a favorable court ruling—adds a new dimension to Kenya’s evolving political landscape. Once seen as President Ruto’s staunchest ally, Gachagua has now emerged as a formidable critic of the administration, vowing to hold it accountable while building a unifying opposition force.
Whether his new party and coalition can hold together remains to be seen, but Sunday’s events marked a significant turning point for the embattled former deputy president.
