The debate over the potential removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome has sparked fresh political tension in Kenya, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki strongly dismissing the claims made by his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua. Kindiki refuted Gachagua’s assertion that the push to remove Koome was politically motivated, maintaining that the process of removing a judge is purely a constitutional matter.
This war of words between two key figures in the Kenya Kwanza government signals a deepening rift within the ruling coalition. Gachagua, who has increasingly positioned himself as a defender of Mount Kenya interests, had earlier accused President William Ruto of targeting leaders from the region. He warned that any attempt to remove Koome would be met with organized protests.
However, Kindiki was quick to challenge this narrative. He questioned the notion that judges should only be defended based on their ethnic or political affiliations. "Removal of a judge from office is purely a constitutional matter and not a political or ethnic issue," Kindiki stated. "Who defends judges who may be innocent but do not have ethnic godfathers?" His remarks appeared to be a direct rebuttal of Gachagua’s claims that Koome’s removal was an attack on the Mount Kenya region.
Gachagua, during a public address in Meru, had passionately defended Koome, framing the attempt to remove her as part of a broader scheme to weaken Mount Kenya leadership. He accused Ruto’s administration of sidelining leaders from his region and vowed to resist any move to oust the Chief Justice.
Gachagua’s remarks align with his broader political strategy of consolidating Mount Kenya’s support ahead of the 2027 elections. Since taking office, he has positioned himself as the region’s undisputed political kingpin, often portraying himself as the protector of its interests. By linking Koome’s removal to an attack on Mount Kenya, he is further strengthening his position within the region.
However, Kindiki’s response reflects the faction within the government that believes in a merit-based, constitutional approach to governance rather than ethnic mobilization. His remarks highlight the legal basis for removing a judge and emphasize the importance of impartiality in judicial matters.
Interestingly, the push to remove Koome is not being led by the President or his allies, but rather by former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi. Havi, a staunch legal expert and former parliamentary aspirant, has been at the forefront of the movement seeking Koome’s removal, alongside six other Supreme Court judges.
Havi dismissed Gachagua’s claims that the President was behind the move, stating that it was his own personal legal battle. He challenged the Deputy President to direct his protests at him rather than at Ruto. "This is my fight," Havi said. "If Gachagua has any issue, let him address me, not the President."
The legal community remains divided over the legitimacy of these removal efforts. Some argue that Koome’s leadership has been problematic, citing her handling of critical cases, while others believe the attacks on her are politically motivated, aiming to influence future Supreme Court decisions.
Despite the heightened political rhetoric, the judiciary has stepped in to halt any immediate action against Koome. The High Court in both Narok and Nairobi has issued orders preventing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from proceeding with any petitions seeking her removal. These court rulings have provided temporary relief to Koome and her supporters, who argue that the push against her is unconstitutional and driven by vested interests.
The judiciary’s intervention also signals its growing independence and resistance to political interference. Koome has consistently defended the judiciary’s autonomy, insisting that the courts must remain impartial and free from external pressure. Her leadership, particularly in handling presidential election petitions, has placed her at the center of Kenya’s legal and political landscape.
The fallout between Kindiki and Gachagua over this issue is just one of many signs of the widening cracks within Kenya Kwanza. While Ruto’s administration initially appeared united, recent months have seen increased internal conflicts, particularly between Gachagua and other senior government officials.
Gachagua has repeatedly claimed that Mount Kenya leaders are being sidelined, an argument that resonates with some within his support base. However, Kindiki’s response reflects the view that governance should be based on constitutional principles rather than regional or ethnic calculations.
As 2027 approaches, these divisions within the ruling coalition could have significant electoral implications. If Gachagua continues to position himself as the sole defender of Mount Kenya, he may create a faction within Kenya Kwanza that challenges Ruto’s influence. Meanwhile, Kindiki’s firm stance on legal and constitutional matters could position him as a key figure in the government’s commitment to the rule of law.
The ongoing debate over Chief Justice Martha Koome’s potential removal has exposed deeper political and ideological divisions within the Kenya Kwanza administration. While Rigathi Gachagua has framed the issue as an attack on Mount Kenya leadership, Kithure Kindiki has dismissed such claims, insisting that the process must be based on constitutional principles.
Nelson Havi, who has been leading the charge against Koome, has distanced President Ruto from the matter, further complicating the political landscape. Meanwhile, the judiciary has stepped in to block any immediate action, ensuring that the legal process remains intact.
As the political battle rages on, the outcome of this controversy will not only determine Koome’s fate but also shape the power dynamics within Kenya Kwanza ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether the rift between Kindiki and Gachagua deepens or is resolved will be crucial in determining the future of the ruling coalition.
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The debate over the potential removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome has sparked fresh political tension in Kenya, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki strongly dismissing the claims made by his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua. Kindiki refuted Gachagua’s assertion that the push to remove Koome was politically motivated, maintaining that the process of removing a judge is purely a constitutional matter.
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