Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua impeachment process has garnered steam with a majority of MPs appending their signatures for his removal. The DP is not sitting pretty; he has assembled a formidable legal team led by some of Kenya’s top lawyers.
This team is composed of 20 lawyers, including prominent legal figures such as Paul Muite, Fred Ngatia, Tom Macharia, Amos Kisilu, and Elisha Ongoya.
Here’s a brief bio of these lawyers as compiled by WoK,
Paul Muite
A Senior Counsel with 50 plus years of legal experience, Muite is widely regarded as a legal titan in Kenya.
The 79 year old has a long history of high-profile cases, including successfully defending former Embu Governor Martin Wambora against an impeachment motion.
The celebrated lawyer is known for his defense of constitutional rights and has represented various clients in politically charged cases, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) after the 2017 General Elections.
Speaking to a local media outlet, Victor Swanya confirmed that Paul Muite will be the led counsel.
“Senior Counsel Paul Muite is the one who is leading us. We have counsels Tom Macharia and Amos Kisilu. Elisha Ongoya and others,” he said.
Fred Ngatia
Ranked among the best in his field, Senior Counsel Fred Ngatia is known for his expertise in constitutional law. He gained prominence as the lead counsel for President William Ruto in the 2022 General Election petition and has also represented former President Uhuru Kenyatta in election petitions.
Ngatia’s reputation for meticulous preparation and legal acumen makes him a significant force in high-stakes cases.
Tom Macharia
Managing partner at MAM Advocates, Macharia is a respected figure in civil litigation and corporate law. His firm handles a wide range of legal services, from banking to environmental law.
The lawyer’s technical legal ability, client service, and professionalism have earned him recognition in the legal community, including a ranking by Chambers and Partners.
Amos Kisilu
A trial lawyer and founder of Kisilu & Company Advocates, Kisilu is renowned for his work in personal injury and financial law. His aggressive and determined approach in representing clients’ rights has earned him a reputation as a top-tier litigator.
Elisha Ongoya
A senior lecturer in law and partner at Ongoya & Wambola Advocates, Ongoya is a highly respected legal scholar and practitioner.
He played a key role in challenging the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) all the way to the Supreme Court, demonstrating his deep understanding of constitutional law.
This legal team will be representing Gachagua both in Parliament and, if necessary, in the courts, as they seek to defend him against the impeachment charges
