Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has voiced a strong sense of renewed optimism as the High Court in Nairobi commenced a crucial three-day hearing concerning his 2024 removal from office. Arriving at the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, April 27, 2026, Gachagua marked the occasion on his X account as a “significant milestone” in his ongoing pursuit of justice, stating, “Day 1 at the Milimani High Court on hearing of the impeachment case. May Justice prevail. God Bless Kenya.”

This latest phase of the constitutional petition sees Gachagua’s legal team, spearheaded by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, focusing intently on both the procedural legality of his impeachment and his financial entitlements. Gachagua is formally petitioning the court to overturn the 2024 Senate decision, contesting its legality and outcome, and to award him full remuneration, including salaries, benefits, and entitlements he would have received had he served his full term. During the initial arguments, Muite criticized the “lightning speed” of the original 2024 proceedings, asserting that the hurried process violated constitutional safeguards and deprived Gachagua of a fair chance to defend himself.

The case is being presided over by a high-profile three-judge bench comprising Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi. This is the same panel that Gachagua had previously challenged, following a January 2026 Supreme Court ruling that dismissed his attempt to halt the proceedings, thereby clearing the path for this substantive hearing on its merits. The formation of this bench itself has been a point of contention, with Gachagua’s legal team previously arguing that Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu’s appointment of the panel was unconstitutional, maintaining that only the Chief Justice possesses the authority to empanel such a bench. This constitutional deadlock had previously led to the postponement of proceedings after a Court of Appeal decision.

The 2024 impeachment saw MP Mwengi Mutuse table a motion with 11 charges, including allegations of gross constitutional violations and inciting ethnic tensions, on October 1, 2024. A week later, on October 8, 2024, the National Assembly passed the motion with an overwhelming majority of 281 votes to 44. Subsequently, on October 17, 2024, following a Senate trial where Gachagua was hospitalized and unable to testify, Senators upheld five of the charges and voted for his removal from office.

Gachagua has revealed that his legal team has dedicated months to building a comprehensive and “watertight case” to demonstrate that his ousting was a “fraudulent and illegal” process lacking constitutional merit. He reiterated that his return to court is fundamentally a quest for justice, not only for himself but for his supporters. Despite his family’s reservations and their trauma from the public humiliation he endured—especially from those he had helped secure the presidency—Gachagua expressed unwavering confidence in the judiciary’s capacity to apply the law correctly and deliver justice.

Adding another layer to the proceedings, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a vocal supporter accompanying Gachagua, made explosive allegations regarding the conduct of lawmakers during the impeachment. Musyoka claimed that some members of the National Assembly and the Senate were offered between Ksh 10 million and Ksh 20 million to vote in favor of the impeachment. He further asserted that these “illegalities” would be fully exposed during the ongoing court sessions, indicating that some legislators have already confessed to receiving such bribes.

Since his removal, Gachagua has transitioned from the Kenya Kwanza administration to lead the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). He holds the historic distinction of being the first Deputy President impeached under the 2010 Constitution, serving the shortest term in that office to date. His prominent physical presence in court underscores the significant political stakes of this battle, as the outcome will profoundly impact his eligibility for the 2027 General Election. Gachagua is now a central figure in a United Opposition front that has publicly vowed to challenge President William Ruto in 2027, framing this legal fight as a foundational step towards ousting the current administration.

As the court proceeds with arguments over the scheduled three-day session, all attention remains fixed on the judiciary to determine if it will uphold the 2024 ouster or grant the former Deputy President a landmark legal victory and significant financial restitution.