- National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah says Rigathi Gachagua cannot contest in 2027.
- Ichung’wah argues impeachment permanently disqualified the former Deputy President.
- Remarks were made during a political event in Nandi County.
- Gachagua’s allies insist his political rights remain intact.
- Debate is likely to fuel fresh political tensions ahead of 2027 campaigns.
Fresh political debate has erupted after National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah claimed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua cannot run for president in the 2027 General Election following his impeachment.
Speaking during a political engagement in Nandi County on Saturday, Ichung’wah dismissed claims by Gachagua and his supporters that the former Deputy President remains eligible to seek the country’s top seat.
According to the Majority Leader, the Constitution bars leaders removed from office through impeachment from contesting for similar senior positions in future.
“These claims that he will be on the ballot are not grounded in law. The Constitution is clear on matters of impeachment and eligibility,” Ichung’wah reportedly told supporters during the event.
The outspoken MP further accused Gachagua of misleading voters in the Mt Kenya region through early political mobilisation and succession campaigns.
Ichung’wah urged residents to focus on development matters instead of what he described as premature political activities ahead of the next general election.
The remarks are expected to deepen political divisions within the Kenya Kwanza alliance as succession politics continue gaining momentum across the country.
However, Gachagua and his allies have repeatedly maintained that his political rights remain protected despite his impeachment troubles. His camp insists that legal interpretation of the Constitution will ultimately determine whether he can contest for the presidency in 2027.
Political analysts now expect the issue to trigger wider legal and constitutional discussions as rival political camps intensify campaigns and realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
The latest exchange also highlights the growing battle for influence in the Mt Kenya region, where leaders are increasingly positioning themselves for future political contests.
