Murkomen and Duale Blast Gachagua Over Judiciary Remarks
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his recent remarks concerning the possible removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome.
Speaking on Sunday, February 23, during a church service at St. Mary’s Emining Catholic Church in Mogotio, Murkomen labeled Gachagua a tribalist and urged Kenyans to reject leaders who promote divisive politics.
Murkomen insisted that judicial appointments and tenure should be based on competence rather than ethnic considerations. He made it clear that President William Ruto would not entertain discussions that fuel tribal divisions.
“Other people are saying that they are defending the Judiciary through their tribe. If a judge is being defended to remain in office because of his tribe, that is a very serious problem in the country. I thought every judge is there by virtue of competence and capacity to lead the judiciary,” he stated.
He further added:
“His Excellency the president is a nationalist and he is not going to get into these conversations of shareholding here and there.”
Kiborek Accuses Gachagua of Self-Interest
Mogotio Member of Parliament Reuben Kiborek, who was present at the same event, dismissed Gachagua’s claims that the President was targeting Chief Justice Koome. He asserted that the Judiciary is independent and not influenced by politics.
Kiborek went on to allege that Gachagua’s defense of Koome was a calculated move to secure a favorable ruling in an ongoing case that could potentially reach the Supreme Court.
“You are pretending to be supporting CJ Koome with a clear intention that you have a case before the court, and you know that case will end in the Supreme Court in the hands of the CJ. So pretending that you are defending Koome is to try and influence the case. That amounts to corruption,” he claimed.
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Duale Warns Gachagua Against Criticizing Ruto
Meanwhile, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also responded to Gachagua’s comments, advising him to refrain from attacking the President. Speaking in Garissa, Duale urged the former DP to wait until the 2027 elections if he wanted to push his political ambitions.
“To my former friend and Deputy President, don’t become pedestrian. When you take the mic, you are in charge, and you should tell the truth. Leave the President alone, wait for your time in 2027, and have an agenda for the people of Kenya,” Duale remarked.
Omollo Calls for Responsible Leadership
Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security, also weighed in on the matter while speaking in Makueni. He emphasized the importance of government officials upholding integrity and working in the best interests of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
His remarks followed Gachagua’s bold declaration that he would lead protests if Chief Justice Koome were removed from office. Gachagua accused President Ruto of trying to weaken the political influence of the Mount Kenya region by orchestrating Koome’s ouster.
“We know he is planning to impeach Koome. This is too much now. How do you purge the leadership of an entire community that made you president?” Gachagua questioned.
He further rallied his supporters, stating:
“If Koome is dismissed and I call for protests, will you come out? We are not going to sit again as Ruto destroys the leadership of Mount Kenya.”
Gachagua’s remarks have sparked heated debate, with the President’s allies dismissing his claims as baseless and self-serving.
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Murkomen and Duale Blast Gachagua Over Judiciary Remarks
