Gachagua Clashes With Journalist Over Claims His Impeachment Bars Him From Presidential Race

DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has clashed with a journalist over claims that his impeachment could bar him from contesting for any political office.

Gachagua maintained that his impeachment would not derail his plans to run for office in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview on Friday, the former Deputy President insisted that he has not exhausted all legal avenues to challenge the impeachment. 

This led to a heated exchange with the journalist, who argued that the law does not allow an impeached official to hold public office.

Gachagua, however, expressed confidence that the legal process would ultimately work in his favor and that the case would not weaken his political influence or his ability to mobilize supporters.

Under Kenyan law, a person who has been impeached and removed from office can be barred from holding any state or public office. However, this disqualification only takes effect once all avenues for appeal or review have been fully exhausted.

According to Article 75(3) of the Kenyan Constitution, a person removed from office for violating Chapter Six, which deals with leadership and integrity, is barred from holding any other state office.

Additionally, Article 99(2)(h) disqualifies a person from being elected as a Member of Parliament if they have misused or abused a state or public office or violated Chapter Six.

However, Article 99(3) clarifies that such disqualification only applies after all possible appeals or review mechanisms have been concluded.