A group of supporters loyal to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua plans to march to the official Deputy President’s residence in Karen on Tuesday, May 12. According to Irungu Nyakera, the former KICC board chairman, the move is intended to reclaim the office following a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal affirming Gachagua’s election in 2022.
The planned peaceful procession will follow an international press briefing at Chester House in Nairobi. Organizers have arranged pickups from various estates, including Kayole, Dandora, Muthurwa, Kawangware, Githurai, Pumwani, Mwiki, Utawala, and Ngong.
Court Ruling Sparks Action
The demonstration comes after the Court of Appeal ruled on May 9 that Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu’s empanelment of a three-judge bench to hear Gachagua’s impeachment case was unconstitutional. The court clarified that only the Chief Justice has the constitutional authority to empanel such a bench.
The appellate court directed Chief Justice Martha Koome to constitute a new three-judge bench within 14 days, leaving the country’s second-in-command position in limbo.
Irungu Nyakera emphasized that the march is not just a political move but a constitutional correction.
“Rigathi Gachagua was democratically elected on August 9, 2022. His removal from office subverted the will of the people. This peaceful march represents justice and the restoration of democratic order,” stated Nyakera.
A Historic Reclamation
Nyakera called on citizens, civil society organizations, media, and international observers to witness what he described as a “historic reclamation of justice.” The procession aims to underline Gachagua’s legitimacy and challenge his impeachment, which his legal team has continuously argued was unconstitutional.
Gachagua’s removal from office had paved the way for Professor Kithure Kindiki to assume the Deputy President role. However, the Court of Appeal’s ruling questioned the process, creating uncertainty around the leadership transition.
Legal Battle Continues
Gachagua and his team have contested the empanelment of the previous bench, arguing that Justice Mwilu, as the Deputy Chief Justice, did not have the authority to act in place of the Chief Justice. The Court of Appeal’s decision reinforced this stance, escalating the legal debate around the country’s constitutional adherence in leadership transitions.
With tensions rising, the coming days will likely define the future of the Deputy President’s office and the political dynamics surrounding it.
