The High Court has dismissed a plea from President William Ruto, who had requested that a case regarding the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua be escalated to the Supreme Court.
The ruling came from a three-judge panel consisting of Justices Eric Ogolla, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi, who stated that the High Court holds the proper jurisdiction to handle the matter.
Justice Mugambi explained that since impeachment is a constitutional process, the High Court has the authority to assess both the legal grounds and procedural aspects of the case, just as the Supreme Court would.
"It is undisputed that the impeachment of the deputy president is a constitutional process & the authority to determine whether the merits and procedure of such impeachment process falls squarely within the jurisdiction of the High court," Justice Mugambi stated.
The court emphasised that it has the power to preside over disputes involving impeachment, arguing that such cases do not fall solely within the Supreme Court's "original and exclusive" jurisdiction.
"The jurisdiction to hear disputes arising from the impeachment of a president and deputy president does not lie with the Supreme Court within the realm of original and exclusive jurisdiction," the judge said.
According to the judges, the High Court is fully equipped to address constitutional questions tied to the impeachment of senior officials, including the deputy president.
This decision reaffirms the High Court’s role in handling constitutional matters and clarifies that the Supreme Court’s involvement is not required in every high-profile case.