KENYA: Court Awards Gachagua KSh50 Million Over Impeachment Rights Violation

By Moses Punyuah

The High Court of Kenya has ordered the Senate to pay former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua KSh50 million in damages after finding that his right to a fair hearing was violated during his 2024 impeachment proceedings.

In its ruling, the three-judge bench held that the Senate infringed Gachagua’s fair trial rights by declining to adjourn proceedings despite his absence.

“The court awards constitutional damages of Kenya Shillings 50 million to His Excellency Gachagua payable by the Senate to vindicate the Constitution, restore the dignity of the affected party, and deter future violations,” the judges ruled.

The court also called for the enactment of a clear legal framework to guide the impeachment of a Deputy President, while directing each party to bear its own costs.