- Deputy President Gachagua plans to file a petition against Justice Esther Maina’s removal
- Gachagua alleges misconduct, claiming Justice Maina tarnished his image by declaring his fortune criminal
- Tensions rise as President Ruto criticizes the judiciary for rulings against his projects
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared his intention to file a petition seeking the removal of Justice Esther Maina from office.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo; X
“On Thursday, this coming week at 2:15 pm, I will personally present a petition before Lady Chief Justice Martha Koome against Justice Esther Maina for her removal from the Judiciary for misconduct and corruption”, Gachagua stated.
Gachagua alleges that Justice Maina unceremoniously declared his fortune as proceeds of crime, a move he believes was intended to tarnish his image. He emphasized his commitment to Chief Justice Koome’s advice, asserting, “I will follow Chief Justice Martha Koome’s advice and seek the removal of Justice Maina.”
Furthermore, Gachagua claimed that Justice Maina denied him the opportunity to be heard, stating, “Justice Maina denied me the opportunity to be heard against all the rules of evidence. She even refused my application to cross-examine the investigator of my case.”
In a daring challenge to Chief Justice Koome, Gachagua called for transparency, urging her to reveal the number of petitions filed against judicial officers. He remarked, “It is time now she tells Kenyans the truth.”
The background to this move involves a 2022 ruling where Justice Maina decided against Gachagua’s application to unfreeze his accounts by the Assets Recovery Agency. The court ruled that Gachagua forfeits Ksh202 million in his accounts, deeming them proceeds of corruption.
Gachagua, however, regained access to his funds after ascending to power with President William Ruto following the 2022 general election.
This planned petition unfolds amid heightened tensions between the judiciary and the executive. President Ruto has consistently criticized the judiciary for ruling against his projects, alleging corruption within the judicial system.
He has vowed to take decisive actions against corrupt judiciary officials, intensifying the friction between the two branches of government.
