MURKOMEN SLAMS GACHAGUA

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks warning President William Ruto against stepping foot in Meru if Chief Justice Martha Koome is impeached.

Speaking today, February 23, 2025, Murkomen tore into Gachagua, accusing him of tribalizing judicial matters and using ethnicity as a shield to protect individuals from due process.

The CS expressed his deep discontent over what he termed as reckless rhetoric, arguing that judicial appointments and removals should be based on competence, not tribal affiliations.

“Now you see people suddenly rising to defend the judiciary and certain judges purely on the basis of their community. Since when did we start determining who stays in office based on their tribe rather than their ability to serve?” Murkomen questioned.

He further called on leaders to uphold the rule of law, maintaining that every judge must be judged by their professional track record rather than ethnic or political considerations.

“I thought every judge in this country holds office by virtue of competence and their ability to lead the judiciary, not by the tribe they come from. It is dangerous when people start making such claims, insisting that a judge must remain in office simply because of their ethnic background,” Murkomen said.

The CS went on to praise President Ruto as a nationalist who does not engage in divisive politics, urging Kenyans to reject leaders who thrive on fueling tribal tensions.

“His Excellency the President is a nationalist and does not subscribe to these kinds of conversations. It is unfortunate that some leaders are now resorting to whipping up tribal emotions over an issue that should be handled within legal frameworks,” he added.

Gachagu’s warning

Murkomen’s remarks come as a sharp rebuttal to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who had earlier gone after the neck of the head of state, warning him of dire consequences were he to send home Martha.

Former DP Rigathi Gachagua speaking during a meeting with MCAs and Councillors from Nairobi County at his Wamunyoro residence on Thursday, February 20,2025. 

Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Antubetwe Kiongo Church in Igembe North, Meru County, Gachagua, with his characteristic firebrand tone, accused Ruto of targeting influential figures from the Mt. Kenya region, vowing that the president would face dire consequences should he move forward with the alleged plan

“These Meru people have been taken for granted for too long, and that must come to an end. The president has already orchestrated the removal of several key figures. He started with Rigathi Gachagua—he kicked me out. Then he went for Mithika Linturi. Now, he has set his sights on Chief Justice Martha Koome. He is busy bribing people in court to ensure Koome is ousted,” Gachagua declared, his words charged with resentment.

He accused Ruto of using these removals as a strategic move to weaken the Mt. Kenya region economically and politically.

“He thinks that by eliminating these people, he can cripple the businesses and influence of Mt. Kenya leaders. But let me make this very clear to him: if you remove Martha Koome, do not step foot in Meru again,” he warned, his voice ringing with defiance.

Gachagua further lamented what he saw as the silence of Mt. Kenya leaders in the face of Ruto’s actions, arguing that their failure to protest his own ouster had emboldened the president.

“You got rid of Rigathi Gachagua, and the people of Mt. Kenya kept quiet. You thought they were cowards. But I am telling you today, Mr. President, if you go ahead and remove Martha Koome, stay in Nairobi—do not come to Meru again!” he thundered.

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