President William Ruto has challenged the jurisdiction of the High Court in handling petitions filed by impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. According to Ruto’s legal team, the matter should be heard by the Supreme Court, as it pertains to the removal of a high-ranking government official.
Ruto’s lawyers argue that the Kenyan Constitution reserves cases involving the impeachment of top leaders, such as the Deputy President, for the Supreme Court. They claim the High Court overstepped its authority by taking on Gachagua’s petitions, which seek to overturn his impeachment and potentially reinstate him as Deputy President.
This legal battle comes amidst rising political tension, as Gachagua continues to fight for his political survival. Since his ousting, the former Deputy President has maintained that his impeachment was unlawful and that he is still the rightful holder of the position. The petitions he filed in the High Court aim to nullify the impeachment and restore his role in the government.
However, Ruto’s decision to challenge the High Court’s involvement has added a new twist to the saga. By seeking to move the case to the Supreme Court, the President is pushing for a definitive constitutional interpretation of the issue, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of impeachment cases in Kenya.
Observers are closely watching the outcome of this challenge, as it could set a critical legal precedent. If the High Court steps aside and the Supreme Court takes over, it may change the direction of Gachagua’s fight to reclaim his seat. As the legal teams prepare for the next steps, Kenyans await the ruling that could determine the fate of the former Deputy President and redefine the powers of the courts in impeachment cases.
By Kenyans