Gachagua to file petition seeking removal of Justice Esther Maina

Speaking in Elgeyo Marakwet on Sunday, Gachagua said he will follow Chief Justice Martha Koome's advice and seek the removal of Justice Maina. 

Gachagua said Justice Maina unceremoniously declared his fortune proceeds of crime, a move he says was meant to taint his image.

"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," Gachagua said. 

The DP added that Justice Maina denied him the opportunity to be heard against all the rules of evidence, and that she even refused his application to cross examine the investigator of his case. 

Gachagua also dared CJ Koome to reveal the number of petitions filed against judicial officers, saying it is time now she tells Kenyans the truth. 

In 2022, Justice Maina ruled against Gachagua's application to have his accounts unfrozen by the Assets Recovery Agency. 

Instead, the court ruled that he forfeits to the state the Ksh202 million in his accounts, as they were proceeds of corruption. 

Gachagua, however, got back his money when together with President William Ruto, they ascended to power following the 2022 general election. 

His planned petition against Justice Maina comes in the wake of heated friction between the judiciary and the executive, where President Ruto has continued to slam the judiciary for ruling against his pet projects. 

Ruto claims the judiciary is riddled with corruption, and has vowed to do all it takes to deal with corrupt judiciary officials.