Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has changed his legal approach in the case challenging his removal from office.
Instead of pushing to be reinstated as Deputy President, Gachagua is now asking the court to award him compensation for what he says was an unfair impeachment.
Confirmation of the development took place on Monday at the Milimani Law Courts, after his lawyers appeared before a three-judge bench.
Gachagua’s lawyer Paul Muite stated that his client is no longer interested in being restored to office. Rather, he has decided to ask for compensation of salaries, benefits, and any damage caused by being sacked from office.
From the point of view of the lawyer, his client’s case boils down to annulment of the impeachment process and compensation in relation to the period of time he ought to have been in power.
In the view of the lawyer, his client has been illegally and unconstitutionally sacked from office.
Gachagua was the Deputy President for about two-and-a-half years when the constitutional protections were accorded to him during the period.
Further, the lawyer stated that the process of impeachment could not be overturned and should in no way affect the accumulated benefits.
The case is still pending in court, but there is an expectation that both sides will bring the case to court for discussion.
For the time being, as expressed by the legal representative of Gachagua, the interest has shifted from reclaiming the post to asking for money compensation.
