NIS Has Set Aside Billions To Remove CJ Koome And Disband The Supreme Court Ahead Of 2027, Gachagua Alleges

Speaking to congregants at Meru PCEA church on Sunday, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of plotting to remove Chief Justice Martha Koome from office and dismantle Kenya’s Supreme Court. Gachagua’s claims come amid a backdrop of political tension and judicial scrutiny.

During his address, Gachagua stated, “There is even a bigger scheme to dismantle the Supreme Court ahead of 2027 elections. A budget has been set aside through the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and all those petitions you are seeing against Martha Koome, and judges of the Supreme Court is the machinations of the state.”

Gachagua further elaborated that the motive behind this alleged scheme is to establish a Supreme Court bench more amenable to the Ruto’s wishes. “They would like to put a Supreme Court bench that is amiable to what those in power want. We cannot accept. We want to ask the international community to keep an eye on Kenya,” he urged, calling for external oversight of Kenya’s judicial integrity.

These accusations come at a time when political and legal battles are intensifying in Kenya. The Supreme Court has been a pivotal institution in maintaining checks and balances, notably during high-profile electoral disputes. The suggestion of undermining such a crucial arm of government raises serious concerns about the health of democracy in Kenya.

The speculated disbandment of the Supreme Court would not only affect the current political landscape but could have long-lasting implications for judicial autonomy and electoral justice in Kenya.

Alleged plot

Gachagua alluded to the recent withdrawal of Koome’s security, terming it as one of the state’s strategy to scare the CJ and push her into resignation.

“I want to ask my sister, Lady Justice Martha Koome, don’t be intimidated. Stay put. You are doing a good job. Continue making sure this is a country of rule of law and constitutionalism,” said Gachagua.

On Thursday, January 23, Koome expressed concerns over the withdrawal of her security detail.

In a letter addressed to Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, she highlighted the constitutional implications of such an act, describing it as a threat to judicial independence.

Koome expressed further concern over the weakened capacity of the Judiciary Police Unit, taking issue with the withdrawal of a significant number of officers.

Meanwhile, a duo of prominent lawyers have been on a mission to kick Koome and her colleagues at the Supreme Court out.

Lawyers Ahmednasir Abdullahi and Nelson Havi used the X platform for the campaign against the judges whom they accused of “misbehaviour” and abuse of office.

On January 17, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) confirmed receiving a petition from Havi seeking the removal of the bench.

The commission maintained that the matter would be addressed in accordance with the established procedures and processes under the rule of law.