Ex-KICC boss Nyakera to lead march to 'reclaim' former DP Gachagua’s office

Irungu Nyakera, the former chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) board, has revealed plans to lead a march to Karen on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The aim, he says, is to reclaim the office of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which he alleges was taken over unlawfully.

Nyakera made the announcement on Monday, May 12, through a post on X (formerly Twitter), citing a recent Court of Appeal decision that has stirred intense debate over the legality and political implications of Gachagua’s ouster.

In a strongly worded statement, Nyakera voiced his disapproval over what he termed an illegitimate removal of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was validly elected during Kenya’s general election on August 9, 2022.

"H.E. Rigathi Gachagua was elected through a legitimate democratic process. His ouster is a betrayal of the people’s will and an affront to Kenya’s constitutional democracy," Nyakera stated, framing the development as a serious disruption to the country’s legal and electoral framework.

He further described the upcoming procession not as a political outcry, but as an essential step towards constitutional restoration.

“This is more than politics, it is a national correction anchored in constitutional fidelity," Nyakera emphasized, urging members of the public, civil society, media outlets, and global observers to lend their presence and support to the peaceful demonstration.

The procession will kick off with a press briefing at Chester House in Nairobi, where Nyakera is expected to elaborate on the legal and political basis for the movement.

From there, the march will proceed to the Deputy President’s official residence in Karen, a symbolic destination where Nyakera and his supporters plan to affirm Gachagua’s rightful mandate.

Should the action achieve its intended outcome, Nyakera said, it would mark a significant turning point for Kenya, restoring democratic integrity and justice to the office of the Deputy President.

"We are standing on the brink of a historic moment, one that will restore democratic order and correct an injustice," he said.

To facilitate mass participation, Nyakera also listed several mobilization points across the city, including Kayole, Dandora, Muthurwa, Kawangware, Githurai, Pumwani, Mwiki, Utawala, and Ngong.

"This isn’t just another political event. It’s a pivotal correction in our constitutional journey. We welcome all Kenyans, civic groups, the press, and international partners to bear witness as we reclaim the democratic space," Nyakera concluded.

On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Court of Appeal nullified a move by Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu to appoint a three-judge bench to preside over petitions filed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua contesting his removal from office.

The ruling, delivered by Justices Daniel Musinga, Mumbi Ngugi, and Francis Tuiyott, emphasized that Mwilu had acted beyond her constitutional mandate by empanelling the bench.

According to the appellate court, the power to constitute a multi-judge High Court bench under Article 165(4) is exclusively vested in the Chief Justice.

"The authority to determine the composition of a bench under Article 165(4) lies solely with the Chief Justice," the panel unanimously ruled, stating that only CJ Martha Koome is constitutionally empowered to make such appointments.

They clarified that the Deputy Chief Justice cannot assume this function, even in the CJ's absence.

The Court of Appeal went on to instruct CJ Koome to constitute a new bench within 14 days. However, it did not issue any directive disqualifying the previous judges from being considered for reappointment.