The Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has made a U-turn about his earlier decision to file a petition for the removal of judge Esther Maina from office.
In a statement to newsrooms, Gachagua said he would be backtracking to allow for dialogue between the Judiciary and the executive over the conduct of some judicial officers.
“Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua notes the current national discourse on judicial transparency and application of Article 10 of the constitution of Kenya on the conduct of Judges and other Judicial Officers. He welcomes the statement by Chief Justice Martha Koome inviting dialogue on the critical issue of accountability of the Judiciary, which H.E President William Ruto has embraced.” The stated read in part.
The DP had wowed to ensure the removal of Justice Maina accusing her of declaring his fortune proceeds of crime which according to Rigathi was to taint his image.
“This coming Thursday at 2:15 pm, I will present a petition personally before the Chief Justice against Esther Maina for her removal.” Gachagua stated while in Elgeyo Marakwet last weekend.
He claimed that the judge denied him an opportunity to be heard against the rule of evidence.
In 2022, Justice Maina ruled against Gachagua’s application to have his accounts unfrozen by the Assets Recovery Agency.
Instead, the court ruled that he forfeits to the state the Ksh202 million in his accounts, as they were proceeds of corruption.
Gachagua, however, got back his money when together with President William Ruto, they ascended to power following the 2022 general election.
On Monday this week, Chief Justice Martha Koome said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had reached out to President Ruto for a meeting to discuss any issues that the Executive has with the Judiciary or judicial officers.
In response, President William Ruto welcomed Chief Justice Koome’s sentiments on the need for dialogue to address the recent attacks on the Judiciary and corruption allegations against judicial officers.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Tinderet Integrated Technical and Trainers College in Nandi County on Tuesday, President Ruto expressed his readiness to spearhead the conversation, adding that the talks should involve all three arms of government.
