Opposition rallies behind Gachagua as High Court showdown on impeachment begins
Leaders of the United Opposition have expressed confidence that the High Court will overturn the impeachment of former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua as unconstitutional, as hearings on his petition begin today, Monday, April 27, 2026.
Speaking during a church service at the Prophetic Embassy Church of All Nations yesterday, Gachagua and his allies maintained that the process leading to his removal from office by both the National Assembly and the Senate was politically motivated and failed to meet constitutional and procedural thresholds.
“We have faith in our judicial system to deliver justice to Rigathi Gachagua, his supporters, and the people of Kenya. We trust that the three judges will do what is right, apply the law and uphold the Constitution,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President described his impeachment as fraudulent and illegal, claiming it was orchestrated to humiliate him.
He revealed that he had initially been reluctant to challenge the process in court, following advice from his children, but ultimately decided to proceed due to pressure from supporters.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said he would attend the hearing at the Milimani Law Courts in solidarity with Gachagua. He argued that the ouster was carried out “by fiat” and did not follow constitutional provisions.
“He was removed by fiat because the Constitution itself was not followed. It was political mobilisation, not national interest,” Kalonzo said.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa described the Judiciary as the “last line of defence,” warning that the case would test its independence.
“Our judiciary remains the only institution that has not been captured. Beginning tomorrow, that independence will be put to the test,” Wamalwa said.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi claimed both Houses of Parliament were compromised during the impeachment process, alleging that some accusations were selectively used to justify Gachagua’s removal.
“Even the Senate, compromised as it was, rejected some allegations, but retained a few to push through the impeachment. All of it was trumped up,” Muturi said.
Other leaders, including Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, echoed the criticism, accusing the government of failing to deliver on its promises to Kenyans.
Gachagua also used the platform to criticise President William Ruto’s administration, alleging widespread corruption and linking it to the reported withdrawal of financial support by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He further termed the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba a “ghost project” lacking tangible progress.
Meanwhile, Wiper leader Kalonzo raised concern over recent killings in Tseikuru, where seven members of the Kamba community were killed, urging security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further violence.
In separate engagements, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua and Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i also criticised the government over alleged corruption and poor service delivery.
Matiang’i, speaking in Murang’a County, called on the government to prioritise funding for schools ahead of the new term, arguing that resources used for political mobilisation should instead support education.
Karua, addressing congregants in Kirinyaga County, accused the administration of presiding over what she termed a “network of theft,” saying Kenyans were willing to contribute to national health insurance but opposed the loss of public funds through corruption.
The opposition leaders concluded their three-day tour of Mombasa County with public engagements in Bamburi and Changamwe, as they rallied support ahead of the court battle expected to shape the country’s political landscape.
