Gachagua Impeachment Verdict Puts Kenya on Edge

Rigathi Gachagua told worshippers in Karen on Sunday that he stands ready for Monday’s court ruling on his impeachment battle after judges fixed June 8 for the verdict. The Gachagua impeachment verdict now grips Kenya as supporters await a decision that could reshape opposition politics and test confidence in the country’s judiciary.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua walked into a church service in Karen on Sunday morning carrying a calm face and a measured tone. Outside the sanctuary, security officers watched quietly as supporters gathered in clusters under the cold Nairobi weather. Inside, people listened closely. Some held phones up. Others nodded with folded arms as the former second in command addressed a political storm that has followed him for nearly eight months.

Monday could change everything. A three-judge bench will decide whether Gachagua’s October 17, 2024, impeachment followed the Constitution and the law. The ruling comes after weeks of courtroom arguments, legal filings, and tense political debate stretching from Nairobi to Nyeri.

The former deputy president lost his seat after the Senate voted to remove him on charges that included gross misconduct and constitutional violations. Senators backed the impeachment after long sittings that drew heavy public attention across Kenya.

Gachagua then turned to the courts. His legal team argued that the process violated his rights and denied him a fair hearing. His lawyers also challenged the level of public participation involved before Parliament voted to remove him from office. On May 22, 2026, both sides completed submissions before the High Court ahead of the ruling set for Monday morning in Nairobi.

During his speech to congregants in Karen, Gachagua sounded confident but careful. “We are ready for whatever outcome,” he told the crowd. “If the three judges rule that we were treated unfairly and against the law and the constitution and lift the impeachment and let us be, we shall be grateful to God.”

He paused briefly. The church fell silent.

“And we shall be very grateful that there is a justice system in Kenya that works,” he added.

What will happen if Gachagua wins the impeachment case?

If the court overturns the impeachment, Gachagua could regain political ground and strengthen his standing ahead of the 2027 elections.

That possibility already fuels debate inside political circles across Nairobi, Murang’a, Kiambu, Embu, and Meru. Leaders allied to the Democracy for the Citizens Party believe a court victory would hand Gachagua fresh momentum after months of attacks from rivals.

Political analyst Martin Andati said the ruling carries weight beyond one individual.

“This case touches the balance between Parliament and the judiciary,” he said in Nairobi on Sunday afternoon. “Whatever the judges decide will shape future impeachment battles in Kenya.”

Gachagua’s lawyers presented 18 separate grounds challenging the process used to remove him from office. Court records filed in Nairobi argue that lawmakers rushed proceedings and ignored parts of the Constitution designed to protect fair process.

Government lawyers defended the impeachment and insisted Parliament acted within its powers.

Outside the church in Karen, supporters dressed in suits, kikoys, and heavy jackets spoke in hushed tones after the service ended. Some said they planned to travel to Nairobi’s Milimani Law Courts early Monday morning before the ruling begins.

A businessman from Nyandarua said he expects tension across the country once judges speak.

“People are watching this closely,” he said while standing near the church gate. “This is bigger than one politician now.”

Why does the Gachagua impeachment verdict matter in Kenya?

The verdict matters because it could reshape opposition politics and influence public trust in state institutions before the August 2027 elections.

Kenya has witnessed only a few impeachment battles involving top national leaders since the 2010 Constitution came into force. The removal of a sitting deputy president created sharp political divisions inside government and opposition camps alike.

Gachagua addressed those tensions directly during his remarks in Karen.

“I have confidence that our judiciary is independent and impartial and would give justice to Rigathi Gachagua and millions of his supporters across the country,” he told worshippers.

Still, he also prepared supporters for defeat. If the ruling goes against him, he promised to appeal. He urged followers not to engage in violence or illegal action regardless of the court outcome.

“Express your anger through the ballot in August 2027,” he said during the church address.

That message appeared aimed at cooling tempers ahead of Monday’s judgement. Police officers in Nairobi have already increased monitoring around court buildings and political gathering points as leaders brace for reactions online and on the streets.

That uncertainty now hangs over the country as judges prepare to deliver one of the most watched rulings of the year.