Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has changed his mind on petitioning for the removal of High court Judge Esther Maina because of corruption claims.
In a statement on Thursday, January 18, Gachagua noted that he welcomed a statement from Chief Justice Martha Koome on dialogue over the matter.
Gachagua also indicated the President William Ruto had also accepted the proposal for a dialogue on accountability of the judiciary, asking Kenyans to support the process.
“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 statement read in part.
The DP has therefore indicated that he will not proceed with his petition as earlier promised.
“In this regard, the Deputy president will not proceed with the matter of the petition for now,” added the statement.
Also Read: Martha Koome Advised on How to Counter Ruto’s Attacks
Gachagua on Filing Petition
Earlier, the deputy president publicly announced that he would be presenting a petition against Justice Esther Maina, who he accused of being corrupt.
“She has challenged us to give evidence, I will lead by example. On Thursday of this coming week at 2:15 pm, I will personally present a petition before the Chief Justice Martha Koome against Justice Esther Maina for her removal from the judiciary for misconduct and corruption,” announced Gachagua.
Gachagua continued to point fingers at the Judiciary insisting that its members received bribes to delay or stop government projects across the country.
In response to Gachagua’s remarks, Koome stated that she was ready to receive the petition even before Thursday.
However, she asked Gachagua to stop condemning members of the judiciary and give them an opportunity for hearing.
Also Read: Ruto Responds to Martha Koome’s Dialogue Invitation
“We are ready to receive it, even when it comes earlier than Thursday because that is what we do. our offices are open to receive. Even after hours you can file online.
“Even judges are human beings who deserve to be given an opportunity to be heard, and judges get hurt,” she stated.
Ruto on Dialogue with Koome
President William Ruto on January 16 welcomed the proposal by the chief justice to have a sit down with the executive and address the conflict between the two arms of government.
Despite concerns of his continued onslaught targeting judicial officers, the President went on to reiterate his stance on dealing with corruption.
He reiterated that if tolerated, cases of corruption and incompetence in the government will lead to delays on development at the expense of Kenyans.
“I welcome the conversation between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary and I am going to lead from the front,
“We are going to have the conversation about the people who want the status quo in housing program, the people who want the citizens to continue paying rent in their estates,” he stated.
