Can Gachagua Run for President After Impeachment? Legal and Political Debate Deepens

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Debate continues over whether his impeachment disqualifies him from contesting the presidency in the next General Election.

Article by: Babz Abdul-Raheem.
Date: June 11,2026.

A fresh political and legal debate has emerged over whether former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua can contest the presidency in the next General Election despite his impeachment from office.

The discussion gained momentum following a recent High Court ruling that upheld Gachagua's impeachment while also finding that some of his constitutional rights were violated during the process. The court awarded him Ksh 50 million in damages, a decision that has sparked differing interpretations about his political future.

Legal experts remain divided on the implications of the ruling. Some argue that the impeachment, having been upheld by the court, could bar Gachagua from holding public office under the Constitution. They contend that the removal from office carries consequences that may affect his eligibility to seek elective positions, including the presidency.

Others, however, maintain that the matter is not entirely settled. They point out that the Constitution outlines specific qualifications and disqualifications for presidential candidates and that any attempt to block Gachagua from contesting would likely require further legal interpretation by the courts or a determination by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Political analysts say the issue could become one of the defining legal battles ahead of the next election cycle. Supporters of the former deputy president insist that he remains a formidable political figure with the right to seek any elective office, while his opponents argue that the impeachment fundamentally altered his eligibility status.

The debate has also drawn reactions from politicians across the divide, with some calling for clarity from relevant institutions to avoid uncertainty as the country approaches the campaign season.

Gachagua has consistently maintained that his impeachment was politically motivated and has vowed to remain active in national politics. His allies have expressed confidence that he will be on the ballot should he choose to run for the country's top seat.

With legal questions still lingering, attention is now turning to the courts, electoral authorities, and constitutional experts who may ultimately determine whether an impeached former deputy president can legally vie for the presidency.

As the political temperatures continue to rise, the question of Gachagua's eligibility is expected to remain a major topic in Kenya's political discourse in the months ahead.