Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a new legal turn in his battle against his impeachment, opting to seek financial compensation instead of reinstatement to office.
In a significant shift, Gachagua, through his lawyer Paul Muite, informed the court that he intends to amend his original petition to challenge the legality of his ouster and demand damages equivalent to what he would have earned had he completed his five-year term.
“The petitioner wishes to challenge the legality of his impeachment and will be seeking leave to amend the prayers. He will be asking for the money he would have earned had he served the full five-year term,” Muite told the court.
The move marks a departure from Gachagua’s earlier stance, where he had sought to be reinstated as Deputy President. His legal team clarified that no interlocutory applications will be filed in the meantime, and they requested the court to assign the earliest possible hearing date for the revised case.
“This petition is not a matter of public interest. It is a personal matter that directly affects the petitioner, who is the one impeached,” Muite added, underscoring that Gachagua’s focus is now on seeking redress for what he claims was an unlawful removal from office.
The respondents in the case did not object to Gachagua’s application to amend the petition, potentially paving the way for a smooth progression of the legal proceedings.
Gachagua was ousted earlier this year in a controversial impeachment that triggered widespread political debate and divisions within the ruling coalition. His latest move suggests a shift in strategy, as he now seeks legal redress rather than political restitution.
The court is expected to issue directions on the next steps, including timelines for the amended petition to be heard and determined.
