Changing fortunes: DP pressed in packed courtroom on hard bench

From second left: Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua looks on as Lawyers Elisha Ongoya, Victor Swanya, Danstan Omari consult during a hearing of three cases filed following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [David Gichuru,Standard]

There was no security detail, not even personal assistants to carry his phones and protocol personnel to clear his way.

Squeezed in the second row, surrounded by animated lawyers clutching big files, the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sat on the wooden bench with his son before the three judges hearing his case.

Some of the MPs sympathetic to his cause also fought for the limited space in the courtroom.

In about 24 months, Gachagua's presence would not go unnoticed. He enjoyed the trappings of power as the second in command, including heavy security, a fleet of vehicles some complete with sirens as well personal staff at his beck and call.

Last week, his security and vehicles were withdrawn and his senior staff sent on compulsory leave. Yesterday, even junior staff were denied access their offices.

When he arrived at the Milimani Law Court yesterday at around 11am, the embattled DP had to wait for the proceedings to start.

On a number of occasions, he could be seen conversing with his lead counsel, Paul Muite, probably on what was ahead of them in court.

And when the proceedings began, he sat silently on the benches, following keenly as the events transpired.

Among those who accompanied him were ousted UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, legislators Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga Woman Rep), Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central), Senator Karungo Thang'wa (Kiambu) and former MP Cate Waruguru.

Gachagua is challenging his removal, even as he insists that the case raises significant constitutional issues that warrant a panel of judges.

On Sunday, he was discharged from hospital where he was admitted during the Senate trial on the day he was expected to be cross-examined. The Senators rejected a proposal by his counsel to delay the trial for two days so that he could attend.

According to Gachagua, when his security was withdrawn while in hospital, officers from the National Intelligence Service visited the facility. In fear, Gachagua said he had to call his wife and children to stay in his room.

"So, Gachagua and his family feel very exposed because these people have tried to kill us before. They have now tried to get us out of office. I ask Ruto, my brother, I helped you to be president. Leave me alone. Leave my children alone," he said after he was discharged on Sunday.

"Do whatever you want, but let me live. Let me look after my children. You can do whatever you want with the country, but allow me to live because I was there for you when you needed somebody to be there for you. You have paid us in kind by being so cruel and vicious against us."