Gachagua makes a court appearance, sends candidates warm wishes
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in court alongside lawyer Paul Muite. Courtesy photo
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday went to court at Milimani, Nairobi for a case that he had filed to challenge his ouster and another seeking to clear the way for swearing in of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as the next DP.
Mr Gachagua arrived at the Milimani High Court at 11am with his lawyers.
Senior Counsel Paul Muite is his lead lawyer.
But the case was adjourned abruptly before 1pm to pave way for an application seeking to determine whether Judges Eric Ogolla, Anthony Mrima and Fredah Mugambi were properly empaneled by Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu. Mr Gachagua maintains that empanelment is the job of Chief Justice Martha Koome and that her authority should not be overlooked.
At 1pm, embattled DP took to social media to wish candidates the best of luck as they sit for their national examinations.
“For the last four years, you have been preparing for the KCSE. Today is a defining moment as you write the exam and secure your future. I wish you resounding success - the thousands of our students - as you undertake your KCSE. God bless and guide you,” Mr Gachagua posted on his page on X platform.
Mr Gachagua, speaking on Sunday--Mashujaa Day--after he was discharged from the Karen Hospital in Nairobi where he was admitted on Thursday as Senators were voting to oust him, claimed there were two assassination attempts on his life.
This was before impeachment was tabled in Parliament.
“I don’t feel safe. On August 30, undercover cover police agents in Kisumu entered my room and one of them tried to poison my food but we detected it and we were able to escape. I was supposed to be killed through poisoning,” he told a press conference.
“On September 3, 2024, in Nyeri, NIS (National Intelligence Service) officers came to Nyeri and tried to poison food belonging to me and Kikuyu elders. I reported the matter to NIS and asked the officers assigned to my office to leave. After attempts to assassinate me failed, this impeachment motion was hatched.”
He said his security was withdrawn exposing him to dangers.
Mr Gachagua accuses President William Ruto of betrayal saying he did not know the Head of State “could be that vicious”.
He added on Sunday that he was shocked by how a man he “helped to be President… believed in” could turn against him.
“If anything happens to me or my family President Ruto must be held to account,” he said.
Dr Ruto has not commented on Gachagua's impeachment since its motion was moved and has not addressed the ousted DP’s Sunday allegations, either.