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A High Court in Nairobi on Friday referred five petitions challenging the impeachment of Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to Chief Justice Martha Koome, signaling the legal escalation of a case that has captured national attention.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi called for the formation of a judicial bench to deliberate on the petition, citing the high public interest and the constitutional issues at play.

“It is my considered opinion that the issues raised are weighty constitutional questions, hence I am persuaded to refer them to the Chief Justice for empanelment of a bench,” the judge ruled.

Gachagua’s impeachment was initiated earlier this week when the National Assembly voted to remove him from office on 11 charges, including allegations of self-enrichment and incitement of ethnic hatred.

The deputy president has denied the accusations, calling the impeachment a “choreographed political lynching” and insisting that the charges are baseless.

The Senate is scheduled to debate the charges and vote on whether to dismiss Gachagua next week.

Gachagua would cease to hold office should the Senate uphold the lower house’s decision on his removal.