Gachagua Changes Tune on Plan to Remove Justice Esther

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has opted to withdraw his plan to file a petition for the removal of Justice Esther Maina from the bench.

The Office of the Deputy President, in a statement to a local media house, conveyed Gachagua’s decision to temporarily step back, citing a response from Chief Justice Martha Koome as a factor.

Acknowledging the ongoing national discourse on judicial transparency and the application of Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, Gachagua expressed his support for President William Ruto’s call for a dialogue with Chief Justice Koome regarding alleged corruption within the Judiciary. The Deputy President urged Kenyans to back this process and announced the postponement of the petition against Justice Maina.

The move comes after Gachagua’s earlier assertion that he would personally present evidence against Justice Maina, accusing her of misconduct, particularly regarding a ruling against him concerning his wealth in the lead-up to the 2022 General Election.

Allegations of corruption and a lack of due process in handling his case were emphasized during a church service in Iten on January 14.

Justice Maina has yet to respond to the accusations made by the Deputy President. However, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) criticized Gachagua for what they perceived as intimidation of the judge who ruled against him, emphasizing the importance of public officers upholding ethical standards.

Chief Justice Koome responded to the situation by inviting leaders with evidence against judges to follow proper channels, emphasizing that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is the designated body to hear such petitions and make determinations.

This approach was endorsed by the LSK president, Eric Theuri, who highlighted the necessity for public officers to uphold the honor and respect associated with their positions.

As the political and judicial spheres grapple with these developments, the call for accountability within the Judiciary remains a focal point, with President Ruto championing dialogue and the proper legal procedures for addressing concerns.

The decision by Deputy President Gachagua to pause the petition against Justice Maina reflects a nuanced landscape where legal processes intersect with political dynamics.

In the wider news spectrum, various stories ranging from education updates, government appointments, and criminal cases have emerged, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the ongoing developments in Kenya.