Gachagua: My impeachment won't stop me from vying in 2027

Gachagua: My impeachment won't stop me from vying in 2027

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a meeting at his Wamunyoro residence on January 11, 2025.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has insisted that his impeachment last year will not derail his plans to run for political office in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with Musyi FM on Wednesday, Gachagua affirmed that he has not yet exhausted all legal avenues to appeal his impeachment or seek redress. 

He expressed confidence that the case would not diminish his political influence or his ability to mobilize support.

"That case, regardless of the outcome, does not diminish my clout and political influence in this country," Gachagua stated.

He contended that his impeachment, which he claims was orchestrated to derail his political career, has actually increased his visibility and popularity.

"If you look today, every newspaper is talking about me. They used to call me a villager, but now they are discussing all my meetings," he remarked.

Gachagua described the impeachment as a "blessing in disguise," claiming that it has actually strengthened his political standing. 

He even expressed gratitude to President William Ruto, claiming that his removal from office had increased his influence.

"I even thank Ruto for removing me; now my influence is at its peak. They removed me, but today I am thriving and engaging in politics freely," he said.

Gachagua drew parallels with past political figures, citing the 2013 elections, when former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, were charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

Despite these charges, both leaders successfully ran for office.

"In 2013, Uhuru and Ruto had cases of murder and rape at The Hague, but they were still on the ballot. The Kenyan Constitution is clear: no one can be barred from vying for office simply because they have a case in court," he asserted.

Gachagua also stated that he now has plenty of time to focus on politics because he is not involved in other active pursuits.

"I have time to plan Kenya's politics. I am not raising children or farming; I am here to strategize on how we will rescue our country," he said.

Meanwhile, under Kenyan law, anyone who has been impeached and removed from office is barred from holding any further state or public office. 

This disqualification will remain in effect unless the impeachment is overturned through all available appeal or review mechanisms.

According to Article 75(3) of the Kenyan Constitution, a person removed from office for violating Chapter Six, which deals with leadership and integrity, is barred from holding any other state office. 

Additionally, Article 99(2)(h) disqualifies a person from being elected as a Member of Parliament if they have misused or abused a state or public office or violated Chapter Six. Importantly, Article 99(3) clarifies that such disqualification applies only after all possibilities of appeal or review have been exhausted. 


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