Elisha Ongoya reveals behind-the-scenes of Gachagua’s impeachment case preparation
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 18, 2026Senior Counsel Elisha Ongoya has revealed behind-the-scenes details of the impeachment case against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on October 18, 2024.
Speaking during a public address on Engage Talks aired on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Ongoya described the case as one of the most high-profile he has ever handled, while also admitting that it took a personal toll on him.
Ongoya recalled that the opportunity came unexpectedly. He received a call from a friend who introduced him to the impeachment case. After being briefed, he met other members of the legal team, including Senior Counsel Paul Muite, and together they discussed and crafted the case strategy.
“A friend of mine called me and said there was a matter coming up and asked for my help. I met him, and he introduced the case to me. I then met other colleagues, including Senior Counsel Paul Muite, and we discussed the strategy,” Ongoya disclosed. “The case was the impeachment of my client, Rigathi Gachagua.”
Ongoya added that Muite later informed him he would lead the team in the Senate. “Paul Muite told me, ‘You are going to lead our case in the Senate against the motion mover,’” he said.
The legal team
The legal team prepared extensively, and Ongoya eventually appeared before the Senate, where he led the cross-examination of the motion mover. While the proceedings were a major professional milestone, they also thrust him into the public spotlight in ways he had not anticipated.
“We prepared for the case; I appeared before the Senate and led the motion mover through the cross-examination process, and just like that, I lost my privacy,” Ongoya revealed.
Ongoya’s public attention
Following the Senate appearance, Ongoya said he became the subject of widespread online attention. Young people began creating memes about him, and others synced his voice in viral clips circulating on social media. He admitted that initially, the experience made him feel insecure and unsafe.
“Young people began making memes about me constantly, and my voice was being synced in videos all the time. Initially, I felt very insecure and unsafe. I do not know if I feel unsafe anymore, but over time I have become a bit more ambivalent to these things,” he added.
Ongoya also described the surreal experience of walking through the streets of Nairobi and hearing strangers shout his name.
“Something interesting has happened in our society. You walk into the streets of Nairobi, people shout your name, and you keep wondering, ‘Have I ever done that to someone else? ‘Have I ever shouted the name of a stranger in these streets?'” the advocate quipped.
Months after being one of the legal brains behind the impeachment of Gachagua from office, the clips of that day, him heavily grinning at the mover of the motion, continue to be replayed.
He was recently conferred the Senior Counsel label by President Ruto in the State House.