As impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua tries to challenge his removal from office in court, he knows the odds of returning to power are slim.
Last week, Gachagua faced a major setback when a three-judge bench, led by Justice Eric Ogola, refused to recuse themselves from his impeachment case.
The judges, Freda Mugambi and Anthony Mrima, decided to continue hearing the case while allowing Gachagua to appeal their decision at the Court of Appeal.
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Gachagua made strong arguments for the judges to step down, claiming that they were set up to overturn a previous ruling by a Kerugoya judge. The ruling had blocked the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as deputy president.
His lawyer, Ahmednasir Abdullahi, claimed the High Court might uphold the impeachment, but the higher courts would dismiss it as unconstitutional.
Despite this, Gachagua’s team plans to prolong the case to gain political leverage against President William Ruto, who is seen as the architect of his impeachment.
Political Maneuvering
Aware of his precarious position, Gachagua is looking for a new political party with roots in Mt. Kenya. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has begun the process of expelling him as their deputy leader.
Gachagua has two parties in mind: The New Democrats Party, linked to tycoon Thuo Mathenge, and the Democratic Party of Kenya, founded by Mwai Kibaki in 1991.
Once the impeachment process concludes, Gachagua plans to launch a new party, positioning allies in key roles. He will conduct tours in various constituencies to thank his supporters and promote his new political platform.
Constituencies like Bobasi, where MP Innocent Obiri voted against his impeachment, will be key stops on his campaign.
Gachagua’s audience will include several MPs who also voted “No” during the impeachment. He aims to consolidate support for these representatives in the upcoming 2027 elections.
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To strengthen his political base, Gachagua is reaching out to former officials dismissed from Ruto’s government.
His primary target is former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, who has openly criticized Ruto for his sacking. Linturi’s strong ties to Meru county could offer Gachagua a significant advantage in local politics.
Gachagua is also courting other former cabinet members, including Susan Nakhumicha and Peninah Malonza.
Nakhumicha, once a powerful figure in Ruto’s administration, expressed frustration over being sidelined by the government. If she joins Gachagua, she stands to secure a prominent role in his new party.
Additionally, Gachagua is actively courting figures like Aisha Jumwa and Ezekiel Machogu, who Ruto also removed from their positions.
He wants to unite these disgruntled leaders under a movement he plans to call “Ondoa Zakayo,” aimed at opposing Ruto’s leadership.
The Road Ahead
Gachagua plans to organize rallies featuring former officials dismissed by Ruto to bolster his argument against the current administration. He aims to rally support from Mt. Kenya voters, many of whom feel disillusioned with both Ruto and Kindiki.
With a coalition of leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, former governor Ferdinand Waititu, and others, Gachagua hopes to replicate the success of the 2002 National Rainbow Coalition that ended KANU’s long rule.
As he navigates this complex political terrain, Gachagua’s road to recovery in the political scene remains uncertain.
By forging new alliances and rallying support from former allies, he aims to regain influence despite his impeachment. The coming months will be critical as he lays the groundwork for his political future amidst ongoing challenges.
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