Amicus curiae and other legal terms Kenyans are hearing in Gachagua’s impeachment case

The Milimani Law Courts is currently a centre of attention, as judges delivered their highly anticipated decision in the Gachagua impeachment case.

Across social media, on Monday, June 8, 2026, Kenyans refreshed news feeds, switched between television stations and followed live court updates as lawyers, judges and politicians argued over the legality of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s removal from office.

But while many are following the impeachment case closely, countless Kenyans are left wondering about the meaning of legal terms repeatedly used inside and outside the courtroom.

The Gachagua impeachment case stems from the October 2024 impeachment of the former deputy president by Parliament and the Senate.

Gachagua challenged the process in court, arguing it was unconstitutional and unfair, while Parliament and the Senate maintained that the impeachment followed the law. The judgement delivered on June 8 was expected to determine whether the impeachment process was lawful.

Here are some of the legal terms.

Amicus curiae

One of the most searched terms during the Gachagua impeachment case has been amicus curiae.

The phrase is Latin for “friend of the court.”

An amicus curiae is a person, organisation or institution that is not directly involved in a case but is allowed to provide expert opinions or legal arguments that may help judges make a decision.

Think of an amicus curiae as an expert invited into a discussion to help clarify complex issues.

They are not supporting either side directly but are supposed to assist the court in understanding broader legal questions.

Legal scholars often describe amicus participation as a way of helping courts make more informed decisions.

Petition

Another common term in the Gachagua impeachment case is petition.

A petition is simply a formal request asking a court to make a decision about a dispute.

In the Gachagua impeachment case, petitions were filed challenging the legality and constitutionality of his removal from office.

A petitioner is the person bringing the case to court, while the respondent is the person or institution responding to the claims.

Appeal

Many Kenyans also hear the word appeal whenever major court cases make headlines.

An appeal happens when a person is unhappy with a court decision and asks a higher court to review it.

For example, if one side in the Gachagua impeachment case disagrees with a judgement, they may seek an appeal before a higher court if the law allows.

An appeal is not a completely new case. Instead, it is a request for another court to examine whether the first court applied the law correctly.

My Lord

If you have watched courtroom proceedings, you have probably heard lawyers say “My Lord.”

This is a traditional form of respect used when addressing judges in superior courts.

It does not mean the judge is above the law or has special powers.

It is simply part of courtroom etiquette, much like calling a teacher “Sir” or “Madam.”

Learned friend

Lawyers often refer to each other as “my learned friend.”

To ordinary Kenyans, the phrase can sound unusual, but it is simply a respectful way for one lawyer to address another lawyer in court.

The word “learned” acknowledges that both individuals are trained in the law, even when they strongly disagree.

Ruling

A ruling is a decision made by a judge on a particular issue before the final determination of a case.

For example, a court may issue a ruling on whether certain evidence should be admitted or whether proceedings should continue.

A final decision that concludes a case is often referred to as a judgment.

Why does court language sound different?

Many legal terms used in the Gachagua impeachment case come from Latin or centuries-old legal traditions inherited from English common law.

Although the language can sound complicated, most of the terms have straightforward meanings once translated into everyday English.

As the Gachagua impeachment case continues to attract national attention, understanding words such as amicus curiae, petition, appeal, ruling, learned friend, and My Lord can help ordinary Kenyans follow court proceedings with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of what is happening inside the courtroom.