Rigathi Gachagua criticized the fast handling of his impeachment case. In a letter to the High Court’s deputy registrar, Gachagua questioned the formation of a three-judge bench without Chief Justice Martha Koome’s approval. He stated that the bench, appointed by Koome, convened on Saturday to handle an application to overturn an order stopping Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki’s swearing-in as Deputy President.
Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi received the cases. Njomo suggested this swift action aimed to deny Gachagua a fair trial, claiming his rights had been violated from the National Assembly to the Judiciary.
Njomo called for an investigation into how Justice Chacha Mwita’s case file transferred to the new panel without a clear directive from the Chief Justice. Justice Mwita had previously blocked the swearing-in of a new Deputy President until the case’s mention on October 24.
Last Friday, the National Assembly filed an application to lift the order preventing Kindiki from assuming office. Parliament warned of a possible constitutional crisis. Justice Mwongo in Kerugoya granted a similar request and set a mention for Thursday. Parliament argued the impeachment could create a legal vacuum, entangling both Gachagua and Kindiki in legal proceedings.
Lawyer Eric Gumbo stressed the urgency of resolving the matter, warning of a looming constitutional crisis. The three-judge panel heard the case on Saturday and scheduled it for further mention today.
Njomo added that Gachagua was not informed about the bench’s formation. He also noted that the same bench denied an earlier hearing request but quickly addressed the new application. Gachagua continues to challenge his impeachment, insisting the charges are baseless and violate his right to a fair trial.
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