Ruto, Opposition Not Safe As Analysts Alleges How Gachagua's High Court Ruling Is Still a Time Bomb

Political analysts and experts have alleged that the decision in the impeachment case of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to have far-reaching political consequences across the political divide.

According to the analysts, the first causality will the DCP party's leader, opposition leaders and other key politicians, including President William Ruto, as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

High court while delivering her ruling quashed many of Gachagua's defenses, implying that he would most likely have to seek relief from the Court of Appeal.

According to the portion of the judgment read by Justice Ogolla, the court found that allegations of bias, conflict of interest, and prior determination against the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Senate, members of Parliament, and senators were not supported by sufficient and direct evidence.

This ruling was among the key issues being awaited in the challenge against Gachagua’s impeachment and strengthens the legal basis for the actions taken by the National Assembly in removing him from office.

According to political analyst Dr. Gichuki, the ruling is only the beginning of a legal process that is likely to proceed to the Court of Appeal, with the nation closely watching the next steps taken by Gachagua and the respondents.

“Any side may appeal—Gachagua, the other petitioners, and the respondents, including the National Assembly and the Senate,” he said.

The ruling is expected to affect not only Gachagua and President Ruto but also the political ambitions of other prominent leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang'i, as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Both are expected to seek Gachagua’s support for a presidential ticket through an opposition coalition.

“The outcome of this case is expected to shape a new political direction and either strengthen the opposition or cause it to fragment. It will be a test of opposition unity,” said Dr. Gichuki.

Apart from President Ruto and Gachagua, the case’s outcome may also affect the political prospects of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i, both of whom are being mentioned as potential presidential candidates under an opposition alliance.