President William Ruto faces a complex political scenario as the Court of Appeal reviews the impeachment of his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. The case’s outcome may significantly influence the Mt Kenya vote and Ruto’s decision on his 2027 running mate.
The Senate has appealed a High Court ruling that found it violated Gachagua’s fair hearing rights during his October 2024 impeachment trial. The court had awarded Gachagua Ksh50 million in constitutional damages but upheld the impeachment and the succession of Kithure Kindiki as deputy president. Gachagua has also appealed aspects of the judgment, including the impeachment itself and Kindiki’s appointment.
Political Stakes in Mt Kenya
Gachagua has been strengthening his political base in Mt Kenya, a key region that contributed to Ruto’s 2022 victory. His Democracy for the Citizen Party (DCP) has positioned itself as a vocal critic of Ruto, aiming to challenge him in 2027. A successful consolidation of Mt Kenya support by Gachagua could weaken Ruto’s re-election prospects.
The appeal keeps Gachagua in the national spotlight. If the Court of Appeal rules that his rights were violated, it would bolster his claim that his removal was unconstitutional. Conversely, if the Senate overturns this finding and the damages award, it would mark a legal win for Parliament but not necessarily halt Gachagua’s political ambitions.
Kindiki’s Role in Ruto’s Strategy
Kithure Kindiki, who succeeded Gachagua as deputy president, is a central figure in Ruto’s efforts to maintain Mt Kenya support. Some regional leaders back the Ruto-Kindiki alliance, and polls suggest Kindiki as a preferred running mate for 2027. However, retaining Kindiki is a strategic choice as Ruto balances the challenge posed by Gachagua’s growing influence.
ODM’s Growing Demands
The opposition ODM party is intensifying pressure by demanding a 50-50 power-sharing deal with Ruto’s UDA party ahead of the 2027 elections. ODM insists the deputy presidency should go to its nominee if Ruto is re-elected, complicating the running mate decision further.
This dynamic forces Ruto to navigate competing interests: Gachagua’s regional mobilisation, Kindiki’s supporters, and ODM’s coalition demands. The impeachment appeal intersects all these factors, making the court ruling politically significant beyond legal considerations.
Looking Ahead
The High Court’s mixed ruling—acknowledging a rights violation but upholding the impeachment—reflects the complexity of the dispute. The Court of Appeal’s decision will clarify these issues but is unlikely to resolve the broader political contest.
For President Ruto, the stakes include safeguarding Mt Kenya support, managing internal allies, and negotiating coalition dynamics with ODM. The impeachment appeal is thus a pivotal element in shaping the political landscape as Kenya approaches the 2027 general election.
