Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is asking the government to pay him more than KSh 80 million after his impeachment in October 2024. According to documents filed in the High Court, Gachagua says he does not want his job back. Instead, he wants to be paid for the 35 months he would have remained in office until the end of his term. His legal team, led by Paul Muite, told the court that they want the impeachment declared unlawful and for him to receive all the salary and benefits he missed.
Gachagua is claiming KSh 42 million as unpaid salary, based on a monthly pay of about KSh 1.2 million for 35 months. He is also asking for KSh 22.8 million as gratuity and KSh 700,000 for airtime allowance. In addition, he wants a monthly pension of about KSh 980,000 and a one-time retirement payment of KSh 14 million. These payments alone push his total claim beyond KSh 80 million.
He is also seeking other benefits he says he is entitled to as a former deputy president. These include two official cars, fuel allowance of KSh 180,000 per month, and full medical cover for both local and international treatment. Gachagua also wants support staff, including two drivers, one personal assistant, two cooks, and two cleaners, as well as armed security guards.
Further, he is asking for diplomatic passports for himself and his spouse, plus access to VIP airport lounges across the country. His lawyers have divided the claims into two parts: money he says he lost after leaving office and retirement benefits he believes he deserves under the law. The case is now before a three-judge bench, which will decide whether his impeachment was lawful and if he should be paid the requested amount.
