Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, chose to appear in court in person accompanied by his son Keith Ikinu as he seeks to retain his seat.
They appeared at the Milimani Law Courts where a three-judge bench is set to hear a case challenging stay orders stopping the assumption of office of the deputy president by Kithure Kindiki
The two were flanked by former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Clephas Malala, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina and Nyandarua Senator John Methu.
The case was filed by Solicitor General Shadrack Mose following the stay orders issued by a Kirinyaga court on Friday, October 18, 2024.
A three-judge bench composed of justices Eric Ogola, Justice Anthony Mrima and Freda Mugambi directed that the matter filed by David Munyi Mathenge and Peter Gichobi Kamotho in a Kirinyaga court against the Senate Speaker be heard today.
According to Mose, the office of the deputy president should not stay vacant.
“The said conservatory orders were issued ex-parte and without according to the state or the National Assembly or the parties a chance to be heard. That it is prejudicial to the people of Kenya and the entire republic if the office of the Deputy President remains vacant as a result of the ex-parte interim orders,” Mose said in his petition.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Gachagua’s lawyers Ndegwa Njiru and Paul Muite questioned why Justice Philomena Mwilu appointed a three-judge bench on Friday night without Chief Justice Martha Koome’s consent.
