Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has emphasized that the removal of a judge from office is a purely constitutional process and should not be politicized or linked to ethnicity.
Kindiki’s remarks come in response to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that President William Ruto’s government is plotting to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome. Gachagua claimed that the executive is targeting the judiciary, an accusation that has sparked debate across the political spectrum.
Speaking on Sunday, Kindiki dismissed such claims, urging both the accusers and defenders of judges to rely on legal and constitutional arguments rather than ethnic narratives.
"The removal of a judge from office is a weighty legal matter that must be handled strictly within the confines of the Constitution. It is not a political or ethnic issue," Kindiki stated.
He further questioned the fate of judges who may be innocent but lack powerful ethnic backers, saying justice should be served impartially.
The debate over judicial independence has intensified in recent weeks amid tensions between the judiciary and the executive. While some government officials have accused the judiciary of overstepping its mandate, others argue that recent court rulings unfavorable to the government have led to undue political pressure on judges.
Despite the concerns raised, the judiciary has maintained that it will continue to uphold the rule of law without fear or favor. Chief Justice Koome has yet to publicly respond to the latest allegations.
Judicial Independence at Stake?
Legal experts and political analysts warn that any attempts to undermine the judiciary could erode public confidence in Kenya’s democratic institutions. The Constitution provides clear mechanisms for the removal of judges through the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and other legal frameworks, ensuring that such processes remain transparent and free from political interference.
As the debate rages on, all eyes will be on the government’s next move and whether the judiciary will withstand the mounting political pressure.
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