The High Court yesterday delivered the final legal verdict: Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment stands. The former Deputy President remains barred from holding any public office, his political wings permanently clipped by the Constitution.
Mt Kenya must now confront this uncomfortable reality. A community of millions cannot continue following a leader who cannot hold any position in government, influence resource allocation, or deliver tangible development. Gachagua’s endless chest-thumping and claims of being the “defender of the mountain” are hollow. Deep down, he knows he has joined the sad list of impeached politicians — Mike Sonko, Ferdinand Waititu — whose influence faded rapidly after their fall.
The facts are brutal. Gachagua’s post-impeachment politics have been defined by bitterness, ethnic incitement, and manufactured grievances. He has convinced sections of the region that they are uniquely targeted and hated by President Ruto, leading to unnecessary tension, risky demonstrations, and destruction of businesses scenes never before witnessed in Mt Kenya. This is a dangerous lie. Every Kenyan region faces economic challenges; no community has a monopoly on suffering.
As the country heads toward 2027, we cannot afford an agitated, isolated Mt Kenya. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is now the senior most active politician from the region in government. He holds real influence at the centre of power. The region should rally behind leaders who can negotiate resources and development, not a disqualified outsider shouting from the sidelines.
Rigathi Gachagua’s continued agitation will only push Mt Kenya deeper into opposition and irrelevance. The court has spoken. It is time for the mountain to accept the verdict, reject divisive conmanship, and choose pragmatic, forward-looking leadership.
Blind loyalty to a barred politician serves no one. Mt Kenya deserves better leaders who deliver, not those who mislead.
