Kenyan court rejects bid to stop deputy president's ouster

Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President of Kenya, during a press conference at his official residence in Nairobi, on 7 October 2024, ahead of the National Assembly vote on his impeachment motion.

A Kenyan court on Tuesday dismissed a last-minute attempt to halt the Senate's debate and vote on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

"The prayer for conservatory orders is declined," High Court judge Enock Chacha Mwita ruled on Tuesday, in the afternoon.

Gachagua had filed the court challenge to stop the upper house's proceedings set for Wednesday and Thursday, arguing that his impeachment had been unfair and fast-tracked.

The 59-year-old has been denying all allegations and will continue to serve in his role until the Senate decides whether to approve his removal.

Following the ruling, Gachagua's counsel said they intended to appeal the decision.

Historic move

This attempt at impeachment is the first of its kind against a deputy president since the possibility was introduced in Kenya's revised 2010 constitution.

In a historic move last week, the lower house of Kenya's parliament, the National Assembly, voted overwhelmingly to impeach Gachagua on 11 charges including corruption.

Kenyan MPs vote to impeach deputy president in historic move

The ouster would now require the support of at least two-thirds of senators to pass.

Gachagua filed the court challenge to stop the upper house's proceedings set for Wednesday and Thursday, arguing that his impeachment had been unfair and fast-tracked.

It is one of more than two dozen court cases that have been filed against the impeachment.

(with newswires)


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