There have been reports that Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome is scheduled to meet President William Ruto on Tuesday, October 17, 2024.
The reports, which have been shared widely on social media have prompted the Judiciary to issue a statement to clarify the issue.
In a statement, the Judiciary stated that the reports are fake.
“Fake,” the Judiciary flagged a poster that was taking rounds on social media.
The fake reports claimed that CJ Koome was supposed to hold a meeting with Ruto regarding the cases filed by Rigathi Gachagua stopping his impeachment.
“Chief Justice Martha Koome will meet President Ruto on Tuesday to discuss alleged intimidation of judges by Statehouse operatives over Gachagua’s impeachment cases,” read the flagged post.
The focus is currently on the Judiciary which is supposed to give a ruling on the petitions filed by Gachagua.
Koome 3-Judge Bench
Gachagua had filed 26 cases in court to challenge his impeachment proceedings before the Senate’s decision.
CJ Koome constituted a three-judge bench consisting of Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima and Freda Mugambi to hear and determine cases challenging the impeachment process of Gachagua.
He was impeached by the Senate but obtained conservatory orders blocking his impeachment and stopping Prof. Kithure Kindiki from succeeding him as DP.
On Tuesday, October 22, the court is set to hear two cases regarding conservatory orders aimed at preventing Kindiki from assuming office as the deputy president.
Also Read: Gachagua Snubs DCI Summons, Turns Up in Court
Gachagua’s Letter to the Judicary
On October 20, Gachagua lawyer John Jomo wrote a letter to the Judiciary questioning how one of the cases challenging his impeachment was placed before a 3-judge bench on a Saturday, October 19, without express direction from CJ.
According to the lawyers, the 3-Judge Bench was constituted of 6 cases, and the two cases they were scheduled to hear on October 22 were not among them.
The letter accuses the judges of not providing an open date to hear the petitioners’ cases until October 29.
However, when the government approached the same bench with two new cases, it found availability for hearings before the 29th, including a sitting on Saturday, October 19.
Also Read: CJ Koome Announces Death of Another Magistrate Within 48 Hours
Plea to the Courts
Speaking on Sunday, October 20, Gachagua has asked CJ Koome to ensure justice is served in the case challenging his removal from office.
He asked the CJ to live true to the fidelity of the Constitution and demonstrate that Kenya is a country where the rule of law is followed.
Gachagua explained that there are court orders stating that he should remain in office until the matter is heard and determined.
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