Interior CS Murkomen rubbishes claims of Gov’t plot to remove CJ Koome

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims of a plan to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome, affirming that the Kenya Kwanza administration will not interfere with the Judiciary.

Speaking in Abogeta, Meru County, during the installation of the first Deputy County Commissioner, Murkomen reiterated the government’s commitment to judicial independence, despite the occasional criticism of court rulings.

His remarks follow recent allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who claimed President William Ruto was behind a plot to oust Koome over her firm stance against impunity.

“Tunaamini kwa Judiciary na tunaamini kwa judges ambao wanasimamia kwa ukweli na ile propaganda watu wanasema ati tunataka Chief Justice, tunataka Supreme Court Judges, I want to assure you that the government of Kenya, under William Ruto, will not interfere with the independence of the Judiciary and Madam Chief Justice will continue doing her job and we will protect her,” he said.

“Nitahakikisha usalama wake na support yote anapewa. Chief Justice, the first lady Chief Justice, we want to ensure she succeeds in the work she is doing.”

Gachagua last month claimed the purported plans by President Ruto to remove CJ Koome from office extend a long way into the past.

The former DP has been claiming that Ruto plans to oust the Supreme Court President over her alleged refusal to bow to political pressure.

He even warned the President that he “should not set foot” in Koome’s home region of Meru if the plan materialises.

“President William Ruto schemed a long time ago to remove Martha Koome as Chief Justice because of refusing to be compromised. He shared this with me and many times he even quarrelled me [sic] that a daughter from the mountain is being problematic,” Gachagua said in an interview with KTN, referencing the vote-rich Mount Kenya region which Koome’s Meru, as well as his home county of Nyeri, are located in.

“He accused me of being unable to manage Martha Koome to do things the way the President wants,” he went on, adding that he had “many discussions” with CJ Koome over the matter.

“She is strict to the rule of law and constitutionalism and a very respectable judge… I was against it. The matter was put on hold until I was hounded out of office and has now been put on top gear,” Gachagua said.