How Much Is Rigathi Gachagua Really Owed?
Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s former Deputy President, is demanding over Ksh 40 million in compensation following what he terms an "unlawful impeachment." Instead of fighting to return to office, he now wants the full pay and benefits he would have earned had he served the full five-year term. A breakdown on how much he could be owed, who foots the bill, and what this means for Kenya’s governance and taxpayer burden.
The Shift in Legal Strategy
On May 29, 2025, through his legal team led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, Gachagua told the High Court he is dropping efforts to reverse his impeachment. Instead, he seeks:
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Ksh 1.2 million monthly salary × months remaining
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Allowances & perks
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Full retirement benefits
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Restoration of official security
"It is no longer about office — it is now about justice," Muite told the court.
The court granted Gachagua leave to amend his petition, while the government, notably, did not oppose the request. This indicates that the case may proceed without aggressive pushback — though it still faces constitutional scrutiny.
How Much Could Gachagua Be Owed?
Based on publicly available data for Deputy President earnings and benefits, here’s a detailed estimate:
| Category | Estimate (Monthly) | Months Remaining | Total (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 1,200,000 | 34 months | 40,800,000 |
| House Allowance | 200,000 | 34 months | 6,800,000 |
| Security & Transport Benefits | 300,000 (est.) | 34 months | 10,200,000 |
| Total | ~Ksh 57,800,000 |
Gachagua is asking for at least Ksh 40 million, but true total dues could exceed Ksh 57 million when all allowances and statutory entitlements are included.
Court Status and Recent Ruling
On July 31, 2025, a three-judge bench of the High Court ruled that the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President could not be reversed. The court emphasized that the position had already been filled and that such a ruling would disrupt the government structure.
However, Gachagua's new approach bypasses this issue. By not seeking reinstatement, he has sidestepped a potentially unwinnable battle and pivoted toward monetary redress.
The matter is scheduled for a mention on June 19, 2025, when the court will set further directions.
Legal Grounds: Constitutional Violation?
Kenya’s 2010 Constitution sets strict guidelines for the impeachment of state officers, including the Deputy President. Grounds include:
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Gross misconduct
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Incapacity
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Violation of the Constitution
The process must be transparent and follow set parliamentary procedures. Gachagua’s legal team alleges that his impeachment:
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Was politically motivated
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Lacked due process
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Was executed without substantive evidence
If proven, this would mean the process was unconstitutional — qualifying him for full compensation under constitutional tort law.
Kenya By Numbers: Context Matters
Here’s how Gachagua’s claim stacks against Kenya’s broader financial landscape:
| Indicator | 2023/2024 Figures |
| Public Wage Bill | Ksh 1.1 trillion |
| Average Annual DP Compensation | ~Ksh 16.8 million |
| Gachagua's Claim vs GDP | 0.002% of Kenya’s GDP |
While his demand may seem small relative to national figures, it carries symbolic weight. At a time of austerity, IMF-backed tax reforms, and reduced public trust in leadership, such a payout could trigger public backlash.
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