Gachagua: My Impeachment Won’t Stop Me from Vying in 2027; the constituion is clear on that
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that his impeachment last year will not hinder his plans to run for political office in the 2027 General Election. Speaking in an interview with Musyi FM on Wednesday, Gachagua asserted that he has not exhausted all legal avenues to challenge his impeachment or seek redress.
Gachagua expressed confidence that the case would not weaken his political influence or his ability to rally support. He maintained that, regardless of the outcome, his political clout remains intact.
“That case, regardless of the outcome, does not diminish my clout and political influence in this country,” he stated.
He further contended that his impeachment, which he believes was orchestrated to derail his political career, has ironically increased his visibility and popularity among Kenyans.
“If you look today, every newspaper is talking about me. They used to call me a villager, but now they are discussing all my meetings,” he remarked.
A “Blessing in Disguise”
Gachagua described the impeachment as a “blessing in disguise,” arguing that it has actually strengthened his political standing. He even went as far as thanking President William Ruto for his removal from office, claiming that it had only amplified his influence.
“I even thank Ruto for removing me; now my influence is at its peak. They removed me, but today I am thriving and engaging in politics freely,” he said.
He compared his situation to that of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his then-deputy William Ruto, who faced charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) during the 2013 elections but still successfully ran for office.
“In 2013, Uhuru and Ruto had cases of murder and rape at The Hague, but they were still on the ballot. The Kenyan Constitution is clear: no one can be barred from vying for office simply because they have a case in court,” he asserted.
Political Strategy Moving Forward
Gachagua stated that he now has more time to focus on politics since he is not engaged in other active pursuits.
“I have time to plan Kenya’s politics. I am not raising children or farming; I am here to strategize on how we will rescue our country,” he said.
Legal Implications of His Impeachment
Despite Gachagua’s confidence, the Kenyan Constitution places strict restrictions on individuals who have been impeached. According to Article 75(3) of the Constitution, anyone removed from office for violating Chapter Six, which pertains to leadership and integrity, is barred from holding any other state or public office.
Additionally, Article 99(2)(h) disqualifies a person from being elected as a Member of Parliament if they have misused or abused a state or public office. However, Article 99(3) clarifies that such disqualification only takes effect once all avenues of appeal or review have been exhausted.
For now, Gachagua appears determined to fight back, insisting that his political journey is far from over. As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on whether he can successfully challenge his impeachment or find alternative routes to remain politically relevant in Kenya’s ever-dynamic political landscape.
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Gachagua: My Impeachment Won’t Stop Me from Vying in 2027; the constituion is clear on that