Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he will no longer be pursuing the petition against High Court Judge Esther Maina.
In a press release issued on Thursday, January 18, Gachagua acknowledged the ongoing national discussion concerning Judicial transparency and the implementation of Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, as well as other Judicial officers.
The second in command went on to appreciate Chief Justice Martha Koome's request to have a productive conversation about the important subject of judicial accountability.
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"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 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 head of the Deputy Presidential Communication Service (DPCS) stated.
Gachagua threatens petition on Maina
Gachagua had initially declared his intention to file a petition seeking the removal of Justice Esther Maina from office.
In a public address in Elgeyo Marakwet Gachagua said that Justice Maina tarnished his reputation when she labelled his wealth as proceeds of crime.
"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," he declared.
The Deputy President (DP) further stated that Justice Maina deprived him of the chance to present his side, contrary to established rules of evidence. He emphasized that she rejected his request to cross-examine the investigator handling his case.
Gachagua challenged Chief Justice Koome to disclose the total number of petitions submitted against judicial officers, asserting that it is imperative for her to openly communicate the facts to the Kenyan public
