Gachagua Wins in Court in Bid to Block Replacement by Kindiki

The High Court has issued conservatory orders blocking the replacement of Rigathi Gachagua as the Deputy President.

In orders issued by Justice Chacha Mwita on Friday, October 18, the orders also blocked the implementation of the resolution of the Senate to uphold the impeachment of Gachagua.

The orders will take effect until Thursday, October 24 when the matter is mentioned in court.

"That in the meantime, due to the issues raised in the petition and application, and the urgency demonstrated, a conservatory order is hereby issued staying the implementation of the resolution by the Senate upholding the impeachment charges against the petitioner, the Deputy President of Kenya, including the appointment of his replacement, until 24th October 2024 when the matter will be mentioned before the bench to be appointed by the Chief Justice, for appropriate orders and action," the judge ruled.

Additionally, the judge cautioned relevant public officers against disobeying orders.

"Take notice that any disobedience or non-observance of the order of the court served herewith will result in penal consequences to you and any other person(s) disobeying and not observing the same," read the court orders in part.

Gachagua had moved to court to block the approval of Kithure Kindiki as the new DP following the nomination by President William Ruto.

According to Gachagua, he was impeached without being given a chance for a fair hearing. This follows the decision by the Senate to proceed with the impeachment exercise despite his hospitalisation.

Meanwhile, 236 MPs voted to approve the nomination of Kindiki as the new DP.

Following the vote, he was declared the DP-Elect by Speaker Moses Wetangula and awaits his swearing-in ceremony.