Gachagua ‘postpones’ presentation of petition against judge Esther Maina

By Peter Ochieng

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has backed down from his earlier plan to file a petition against judge Esther Maina, at least for now.

On Sunday, the deputy president said he would file a petition against Maina today (Thursday, 18th January, 2024) over corruption allegations.

A statement from the Office of the Deputy President acknowledged that the DP had decided to backtrack from his position, albeit temporarily, following a rejoinder on his comments by Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome.

"He welcomes the statement by Chief Justice Martha Koome inviting dialogue on the critical issue of accountability of the Judiciary, which President William Ruto has embraced. The Deputy President urges all Kenyans to support this process. In this regard, the Deputy President will not proceed with the matter of the petition, for now," the statement reads in part.

Gachagua had accused the judge of misconduct. Justice Maina ruled against the DP regarding his wealth in the run up to the 2022 general election.

“I will personally present a petition before Lady Justice Martha Koome against Justice Esther Maina for her removal from the judiciary for misconduct and corruption. That judge, through corruption, declared my hard-earned wealth as proceeds of crime without giving me an opportunity to be heard. Against the rule of evidence, where he who alleges must proof, we made an application to examine the prosecutor and she refused,” Gachagua said in Iten.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in his reaction said he was eagerly waiting to see the DP present his petition to the CJ Koome, who is also the chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

“I am waiting to see whether the Chief Justice will receive Gachagua, he said he is going to lead a protest. I want to see that because that will be the culmination of absurdity with regard to the relationship between the executive and the judiciary.”

“We are witnessing very absurd situations and we must say enough is enough. Please leave the judiciary alone.”

The DP was to present his petition at 2.15pm today.