Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has harshly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his recent comments regarding the removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome from office.
In a statement made during a church service at St. Mary's Emining Catholic Church in Mogotio on Sunday, February 23, Murkomen condemned Gachagua for allegedly promoting tribalism, emphasizing that such rhetoric has no place in the country's politics.
According to Murkomen, judicial appointments and evaluations should be based solely on an individual's competence, not their ethnicity.
The CS stressed that President William Ruto will not tolerate any tribal-based politics.
"It is deeply concerning when some individuals defend judicial appointments based on tribal affiliation. A judge should be in office because of their competence, not because of where they come from," Murkomen said.
He further affirmed that President Ruto is a staunch nationalist, refusing to engage in divisive discussions about tribalism.
“The President is not involved in any tribal power-sharing schemes. He is focused on serving the entire nation,” he added.
During the same service, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek clarified that President Ruto has no intention of removing the Chief Justice.
He emphasized that Koome's role as the head of the Judiciary is not tied to any political agenda.
Kiborek also criticized Gachagua’s defense of Koome, suggesting that the former Deputy President's actions were more about influencing an ongoing legal matter.
"Gachagua is pretending to defend the CJ to sway the outcome of his case, which could eventually land in the Supreme Court. This is a form of political manipulation, bordering on corruption,” he alleged.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also weighed in, advising Gachagua to focus on his political agenda for 2027 rather than attacking the President.
Speaking in Garissa, Duale stressed that both the President and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have the right to engage with all communities across the country without interference.
“Former DP, do not go down this road. When you speak, be truthful and focus on your own agenda for the people of Kenya. Wait for your time in 2027,” Duale said.
Meanwhile, Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Internal Security, called on all government officials to perform their duties with integrity, ensuring that the government serves all citizens equitably.
His remarks came in response to Gachagua’s vow to lead protests should Koome be removed from office, a move he claimed was part of a larger plan by President Ruto to suppress political influence in the Mount Kenya region.
Gachagua has shown significant interest in the legal troubles surrounding Koome, who is currently embroiled in a high-stakes battle to maintain her position as Chief Justice.
He recently expressed concerns about potential political retaliation, saying, "We know he [Ruto] is planning to impeach Koome. This is going too far. How can you purge the leadership of an entire community that helped you become president?"
"If Koome is dismissed and I call for protests, will you come out? We will not stand by as Ruto destroys the leadership of Mount Kenya," Gachagua added.
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Politics