Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Rigathi Gachagua, the recently impeached Deputy President, made his first public appearance on Sunday following his hospital discharge last weekend.
Gachagua attended a church service at St. James ACK Cathedral in Kiambu town, marking his return to the public stage in his home region of Central Kenya.
During his address, he appealed to Kenyans to pray for President William Ruto, acknowledging the immense responsibilities he faces.
He encouraged Kenyans to seek divine guidance for the President, hoping it would bring relief amid ongoing economic hardships and challenges in the health sector, which he described as leaving many Kenyans feeling helpless.
“I ask Kenyans to remain peaceful and pray for our President William Ruto to give him wisdom to navigate the challenges affecting the Kenyan people. Our people are feeling helpless because of economic adversities, over taxation and failing health systems,” Gachagua said.
“The President has a big job to do. We want to ask prayers for him, for God to give him wisdom so that Kenyans can get some relief as they go about their businesses,” he added.
Accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcus Rigathi, former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, and Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa, Rigathi Gachagua made his first public appearance following his impeachment and recent hospital discharge.
On October 17, a majority of senators confirmed five out of eleven charges against Gachagua, originally brought forward by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse. Gachagua is now pursuing legal avenues to overturn his ouster, with a three-judge panel scheduled to hear consolidated petitions challenging his impeachment on October 29.
The embattled former Deputy President obtained an order temporarily halting the swearing-in of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as his replacement. Gachagua argued in court that he was denied a fair hearing due to his hospitalization on the day he was impeached, preventing him from defending himself.
The three-judge panel—comprising Justices Freda Mugambi, Eric Ogolla, and Anthony Murima—rejected Gachagua’s appeal for them to recuse themselves, affirming they were duly appointed for the case.
They also dismissed his claim that Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu lacked authority to empanel the bench, noting Gachagua retains the right to appeal.