Justin Muturi: Gachagua still Deputy President until court says otherwise
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 5, 2025Former Attorney General and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has come out strongly to defend Rigathi Gachagua’s position as Kenya’s Deputy President.
Speaking on Saturday, July 5, 2025, during the burial of Gachagua’s aunt in Nyeri County, Muturi addressed the ongoing confusion about Gachagua’s status following his controversial removal in 2024.
“There is nobody in Kenya today by the name of a former Deputy President,” said Muturi. “The first one is the President, the second one is here with us… until the day we wait for the court’s decision, we do not know any other, it’s Rigathi Gachagua.”
Muturi’s remarks refer to the legal case surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment, which took place in October 2024. Both the National Assembly and Senate voted to remove Gachagua from office, and Kithure Kindiki was named as his replacement by President William Ruto.
Court to decide legitimacy
However, Gachagua challenged the decision in court, arguing that due process was not followed. In response, the High Court issued conservatory orders, temporarily suspending his impeachment until the matter is fully heard and determined.
The case is being handled, and the court will check if both sides have complied with earlier orders and decide how to proceed.
Until a final ruling is given, Gachagua’s position remains legally unclear. But Muturi insisted that the Constitution must be respected, and only the courts have the final say on such a matter.
Muturi’s remarks are seen as a message to political opponents who have already started referring to Gachagua as a “former” Deputy President. The legal battle has added tension to the political climate, especially with the 2027 general elections on the horizon. Gachagua, who was once seen as President Ruto’s close ally, has recently fallen out with some members of the ruling coalition.
For now, the question of who is Kenya’s Deputy President remains in the hands of the courts. Until then, according to Justin Muturi and the law, Rigathi Gachagua remains the Deputy President of Kenya.