A section of boda boda operators in Embu Town on Tuesday staged demonstrations to protest the High Court decision that upheld the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, adding fresh political tension following the landmark ruling.
The protesters, led by local politician and Embu Senate aspirant James Ireri, marched through parts of the town while expressing dissatisfaction with the judgment delivered by a three-judge bench that dismissed petitions challenging Gachagua’s removal from office.
According to the demonstrators, the court’s decision raised concerns after judges acknowledged that Gachagua’s right to a fair hearing had been violated during the Senate proceedings but still allowed the impeachment to stand.
Speaking during the demonstrations, Ireri argued that the finding on the violation of constitutional rights should have resulted in the nullification of the impeachment process.
He maintained that the court’s conclusions appeared contradictory and called for further scrutiny of the judgment, insisting that justice should be consistent with the court’s own findings.
The protests attracted the attention of residents and business operators as demonstrators called for accountability from leaders they believe played a role in supporting the impeachment.
During the gathering, Ireri announced plans to initiate the process of recalling Embu Senator Munyi Mundigi, accusing him of failing to represent the interests of a section of residents after reportedly voting in favour of Gachagua’s impeachment in the Senate.
The demonstrations came a day after the High Court upheld the Senate’s decision to remove Gachagua from office, bringing to a close months of legal battles surrounding the politically charged matter.
In its ruling, the three-judge bench comprising Justices Eric Ogolla, Anthony Mrima and Fridah Mugambi found that both the National Assembly and the Senate acted within the law and followed constitutional procedures during the impeachment process.
The court further ruled that public participation requirements had been met and that Parliament had achieved the legal threshold necessary to proceed with the removal process.
However, the judges also found that procedural issues during the Senate hearing infringed on Gachagua’s right to a fair hearing. While the court considered the violation serious, it ruled that it was not sufficient to overturn the impeachment.
As compensation for the violation, the court awarded Gachagua Ksh50 million in damages payable by the Senate.
The ruling continues to generate strong reactions across different parts of the country, with supporters and critics of the former Deputy President offering varying interpretations of the judgment and its political implications.
