The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) have strongly criticized the move, arguing that it undermines the independence of the Judiciary and sets a dangerous precedent for constitutional governance.

On Friday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo led the charge against the decision, describing it as an assault on the Judiciary’s autonomy.

In a press briefing held in Nairobi, Odhiambo condemned the National Police Service (NPS) for what she called a “coordinated effort” to weaken the Judiciary Police Unit.

“This decision is a direct attempt to coerce the Judiciary into becoming an appendage of the Executive, which is a clear violation of the Constitution,” Odhiambo said. “It is both unfortunate and unacceptable, and it speaks to grave systemic lapses within the National Police Service.”

Odhiambo further criticized the national security agency for the lack of professionalism in handling such a critical issue, suggesting that the withdrawal of the security detail was either a deliberate act or a result of poor administrative oversight.

“Whether by omission or commission, this situation is unacceptable and reveals profound issues within the NPS,” she added.

“The Judiciary cannot be treated as subordinate to the other arms of government, and we will continue to fight this bastardization of the Principle of Separation of Powers.”

The controversy ignited earlier this week when Chief Justice Koome wrote a letter to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja, raising concerns over the recall of her security officers.

The Chief Justice described the action as a thinly veiled intimidation tactic, adding that it threatened the independence of the Judiciary and could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democratic institutions.

“This action sets a dangerous precedent, where constitutional offices can be undermined through external pressure,” Koome warned in the letter. “Such interference threatens not only the independence of the Judiciary but also the public trust in our institutions.”

Despite the Chief Justice’s alarm, the NPS has maintained that the withdrawal of her security detail was not an act of retaliation, but rather a necessary administrative move.

A spokesperson for the NPS, Resila Onyango, explained that the officers had been recalled for training purposes.

“The officers have been recalled to attend their promotional courses,” Onyango stated. “In the meantime, they have been replaced by other officers for the period they will be in training.”

However, the explanation has done little to quell the backlash from legal bodies, with LSK’s Faith Odhiambo questioning the NPS’s handling of the matter.

“We find it unacceptable that such an important issue is being treated so casually,” Odhiambo said.

“This raises serious concerns about the competence of the National Police Service, especially in light of the recent failures in safeguarding national security.”

The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) also weighed in on the matter, echoing similar concerns.

In a statement released on Friday, KMJA President Justice Radido Stephen denounced the withdrawal of the Chief Justice’s security detail as a “unilateral and arbitrary decision.”

He added that the move was part of a broader, sustained attack on the Judiciary.

“How can the Police command explain the removal of security officers from the Judiciary without prior consultation or communication?” Radido asked.

“This decision has all the hallmarks of a retributive attack on the Judiciary, orchestrated for reasons that remain unclear but highly suspicious.”

The security detail of Chief Justice Koome was allegedly removed earlier this week, along with a reduction in officers attached to the Judiciary Police Unit. According to official communication from the Judiciary, this move was never communicated to the affected parties beforehand.

On Thursday, the Judiciary addressed a formal letter to the Ministry of Interior and the NPS, condemning the action as an infringement on judicial independence and an attempt to erode the integrity of the constitutional office of the Chief Justice.

Following the uproar, the NPS reportedly reinstated the Chief Justice’s security detail after a formal complaint was lodged with high-ranking officials.

However, the broader issue of the Judiciary Police Unit’s downsizing remains unresolved.

Justice Radido confirmed that the commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, along with 23 other officers, had been recalled in recent days.

“These officers have yet to be replaced, and we are concerned that the failure to do so will leave the Judiciary vulnerable,” Radido stated. “Judges and magistrates must be assured of their security in the course of performing their constitutional duties.”

The fallout from this incident has only deepened the divide between the Judiciary and the Executive, which has already been strained by allegations of disregard for court orders by senior police officials, including the IG and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin.

Chief Justice Koome has repeatedly stressed the importance of judicial independence, warning that external interference would not be tolerated.

“No amount of intimidation will deter us from fulfilling our constitutional mandate,” she declared.

In response to the growing crisis, the KMJA has called for immediate dialogue between the Judiciary and law enforcement to address these security concerns and prevent further escalation.

“We urge the police to fulfill their mandate of securing the Judiciary and all constitutional offices, as guaranteed by the Constitution,” Justice Radido said.

The group also urged the Judicial Service Commission to observe all constitutional protections assured to judges and magistrates.

Radido stated that talks are underway to resolve the security issues and prevent such incidents in the future.

“In this regard, under the ambit of the National Council on the Administration of Justice, structures have been put in place to enable the judiciary and all stakeholders to dialogue, identify any weaknesses and lapses, individual and collective, and resolve how to address the same,” he noted.

The post Judges and Lawyers Condemn Withdrawal of Koome’s Security, Warn of Independence Threat appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Gachagua, speaking at a church service held at PCEA Imenti North Presbytery in Meru County, rallied behind Koome, urging the government to halt any efforts to oust her.

He argued that the Chief Justice’s firm stance against impunity has made her a target of political forces intent on eroding Kenya’s democratic institutions.

“The state is targeting Chief Justice Martha Koome for one simple reason  her unwavering stand against impunity.

Her voice in the judiciary is crucial for upholding the rule of law, and they want to silence her,” Gachagua said, adding that the alleged plot to remove Koome is just the latest part of a systematic strategy to weaken the judiciary.

Gachagua also linked the alleged removal of Koome to the wider political landscape, claiming that the initial move was to remove him from office, and now the government seeks to eliminate the Chief Justice to pave the way for rigging the upcoming elections.

“This is a well-calculated scheme. First, they targeted me, now they want to remove the Chief Justice, and soon, they’ll come after the entire judiciary. This is all part of their plan to prepare for electoral fraud,” he asserted, his voice laden with concern.

The former Deputy President expressed strong support for Chief Justice Koome, urging her not to be intimidated.

“CJ Koome, stand firm. Don’t let them intimidate you. The people of Kenya are with you,” he added, his words resonating with the gathered crowd.

Gachagua further appealed to the international community to pay close attention to the situation in Kenya.

He claimed that the government had already captured the legislature and the executive, and was now moving swiftly to control the judiciary, which would result in a dangerous imbalance of power.

“The international community must keep a keen eye on Kenya. We need the world to see what is happening here. The state has already captured the legislature and the executive, and now they are moving to capture the judiciary. This is the moment for global solidarity to prevent Kenya from slipping into authoritarianism,” Gachagua urged.

On the political dynamics within Kenya’s central region, Gachagua addressed the issue of unity in the mountain, which has been a subject of tension within the political sphere.

He alleged that President William Ruto’s attempts to divide the region had been thwarted, and the residents of the area remained united.

“The unity of the Mountain is non-negotiable. The attempt by President Ruto and his allies to divide us has failed. We stand together, and we will continue to stand together for the sake of our people and our country,” Gachagua stated emphatically.

Accompanying Gachagua at the service was his wife, Pastor Dorcas Gachagua, as well as local and national leaders who joined him in delivering his strong message.

The event, attended by a large congregation, was marked by fervent prayers and expressions of solidarity, particularly towards the Chief Justice.

Gachagua’s remarks come at a time when tensions within the political and judicial spheres continue to rise.

With the general elections fast approaching, all eyes remain on Kenya as the nation grapples with issues of governance, judicial independence, and political integrity.

The post Rigathi Gachagua Condemns Alleged Scheme to Remove Chief Justice Martha Koome, Claims It’s Part of a Plot to Undermine Judiciary appeared first on Insider Bits News.

The event, meant to mark a significant milestone for the development of Western Kenya, quickly turned chaotic when Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo was met with loud jeers from the crowd.

When invited to address the audience, Ottichilo was unable to deliver his speech due to the relentless heckling, forcing him to abandon his address.

“Luanda, hoyee! Well, on behalf of the people of Luanda…hello…hello…well…I think…listen…listen…well, we will leave it at that. If you have refused, it’s okay,” a visibly frustrated Ottichilo said, signaling his surrender and handing the microphone back to President Ruto.

The disruptions didn’t stop with the governor. Luanda MP Oyugi Dick Maungu also faced resistance from sections of the crowd but managed to power through his speech.

He expressed gratitude to the President for prioritizing development in the region, despite the tense atmosphere.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for bringing development to our region,” Maungu said, his voice firm as the crowd’s murmurs continued.

Meanwhile, Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, who has already declared her intention to run for governor in 2027, also endured heckling but managed to address the gathering with unwavering confidence.

Her presence at the event appeared to signal her political aspirations, despite the ongoing tensions.

The cause of the uproar is believed to be rooted in the recent demolition of stalls at the old Luanda Market, which had displaced many local traders.

The demolitions, which began earlier in the week as part of preparations for the new market, left many vendors frustrated, accusing both the national and county governments of negligence.

“People feel the governor and other leaders did little to stop the hurried demolition and allowed people to be chased away like dogs,” said one trader, expressing the collective outrage of the affected vendors.

While the county government has distanced itself from the demolitions, insisting they were not authorized at the local level, the tensions over the issue remain high.

Despite the unrest, the Luanda Modern Market project is still being hailed as a potentially transformative project for the region, with expectations that it will be completed by December 2025.

However, many traders have voiced concerns about a lack of consultation, saying they only learned about the groundbreaking through media reports.

“This project could change our lives, but it’s already off to a rocky start. If the same mistakes made in the Esibuye Market project are repeated here, we are heading for failure,” said Dr. Billy Nyonje, the Chairperson of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Vihiga Chapter, referencing the stalled Esibuye Market, which remains incomplete despite being launched earlier in 2024.

In an attempt to pacify the frustrated crowd, President Ruto announced a Sh3 million allocation to compensate traders whose stalls were demolished in the process.

He also instructed the contractor to complete the project by December 2025, emphasizing that it would bring much-needed economic benefits to the region.

“I understand your frustrations, and we will ensure that the affected traders are compensated. This market will help uplift the entire community,” President Ruto said, addressing the crowd.

Despite the President’s efforts, skepticism remains high, fueled by the incomplete Esibuye project and lingering doubts about the transparency and inclusivity of the new market initiative.

Many residents and traders are questioning whether the promises will be kept and whether their interests will truly be considered as the project progresses.

As President Ruto continues his Western Kenya tour, his government’s commitment to the region remains under scrutiny, with many questioning the execution and follow-through of development projects that are meant to transform the area.

The political drama in Vihiga County highlights deep divisions among local leaders and the community, which could shape the political landscape in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.

With local leaders vying for power and a growing sense of discontent, the future of Western Kenya’sdevelopment appears uncertain.

The post Governor Ottichilo Silenced as Political Drama Erupts During Ruto’s Vihiga Visit appeared first on Insider Bits News.

During his engagement on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Standing Committee (CSPOC) meeting in Guernsey, Wetang’ula highlighted the significant role of over 500 Kenyan expatriates in enhancing the socio-economic fabric of the island, particularly in sectors like finance, hospitality, and education.

“It is truly inspiring to learn that Guernsey, with a population of around 65,000 residents, is home to such a dedicated and hardworking Kenyan diaspora. Their seamless integration into local society, while staying connected to their roots, speaks volumes about their commitment and optimism,” said Wetang’ula.

As part of his two-day official visit, Wetang’ula commended the community’s efforts to uplift Kenya’s profile internationally and invest in their home country.

He reaffirmed the Kenyan government’s commitment to supporting its diaspora, citing it as a key pillar of national growth and foreign policy.

“When I served as Foreign Minister, I championed the diaspora as key ambassadors for Kenya. You continue to represent and market Kenya on the global stage, and your contributions directly align with our national development strategy,” Wetang’ula noted.

The Speaker was warmly received by Ms. Catherine Wanyoike, Chairperson of the Kenyan Community in Guernsey, who expressed her gratitude for Wetang’ula’s visit.

She also took the opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by the diaspora, particularly in securing long-term visas that would facilitate deeper integration and sustainable development.

Wetang’ula assured the community that their concerns, especially regarding visa policies and integration issues, would be addressed.

“We will work closely with the Kenyan Mission in London to ensure that these challenges are resolved,” he promised.

Amb. Catherine Karemu, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, also pledged support for the community, underscoring her office’s commitment to facilitating the Kenyan diaspora’s welfare in Guernsey.

“This engagement underscores the Government of Kenya’s unwavering support for its citizens abroad,” Wetang’ula concluded.

“The contributions of the Kenyan diaspora are invaluable to the nation, and we are committed to fostering stronger ties and enhancing opportunities for investment and growth both here and at home.”

The discussions also centered on ways to improve collaboration between Kenya and its diaspora, ensuring more robust support systems and policies to address their needs and enhance their success abroad.

Accompanying the Speaker on this visit were Mr. Jeremiah Ndombi, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, and Mr. Benson Milimo, Chief of Staff in the Speaker’s Office.

This engagement marks a significant step in deepening Kenya’s diplomatic ties with its expatriate communities, reinforcing their role in the country’s development and global presence.

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The session was held at the Mini Chambers of County Hall, Nairobi, and was chaired by Tharaka MP George Gitonga, with Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse serving as the vice-chair.

During his presentation, Abdi outlined his extensive experience in the field of investigations.

He shared details of his specialized training with international agencies such as the FBI and in Israel, focusing on investigative techniques.

Additionally, he highlighted his local leadership training at the Kenya School of Government, which he believes has equipped him with the necessary skills to lead the EACC effectively.

Abdi also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the EACC and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) offices.

He advocated for a strong working relationship between the two institutions to ensure that corruption cases are thoroughly investigated and successfully prosecuted, ultimately leading to justice and the effective execution of anti-corruption efforts.

Abdi’s nomination, announced by EACC Chairperson David Oginde on November 22, 2024, comes as he prepares to succeed the current CEO, Mr. Twalib Mbarak, whose six-year term ends in January 2025.

Abdi was one of 172 applicants for the position, with the application deadline on October 7, 2024.

He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a seasoned investigator with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement.

Abdi started his career as a Cadet Inspector at the Kenya Police Service in 1989 before joining the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) in 2005.

He later rose through the ranks to head the Directorate of Investigation at EACC.

Abdi holds a Master of Science in Security and Risk Management from the University of Leicester, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Mt. Kenya University, and a Professional Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

His financial disclosure of a net worth of Sh 130 million also garnered attention, as transparency in wealth is a key consideration in the appointment process.

Abdi’s professional background, combined with his vision for strengthening the fight against corruption, will play a crucial role as he seeks to secure the top position at the EACC.

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Kalonzo made the claim during a media briefing on Saturday, condemning the incident as a state-sponsored act of terrorism aimed at disrupting the peaceful gathering and stifling political opposition.

The incident occurred in Bibironi village, where mourners had gathered for a funeral.

Kalonzo asserted that the individuals responsible for the chaos had one clear objective: to cause destruction and prevent attendees from engaging with the mourners.

He dismissed official explanations from the police, including those from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, who suggested that the violence was due to a lack of intelligence.

According to Kalonzo, the evidence was undeniable—this was a deliberate, state-backed attack, possibly involving abductions.

Kalonzo also emphasized the wider implications of such violence, stating that an attack on one Kenyan is an attack on the entire nation, regardless of race, ethnicity, or political affiliation.

He condemned the abduction of any citizen, framing it as an attack on the principles of a free and democratic society.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also weighed in on the violence, asserting that the government played a role in the attack.

He described how a group of individuals followed him as he left the funeral, pelting his vehicle with stones and iron bars.

Gachagua expressed his deep disappointment, accusing the state of complicity in the incident.

He recounted how he was forced to leave the venue under a barrage of stones.

The post Kalonzo Blames Govt for Limuru Funeral Violence appeared first on Insider Bits News.

Residents are scrambling to vacate their homes, some already having accepted compensation from the Nairobi City County Government, amounting to Sh900,000.

Despite this, the scene at the estate is tense on Tuesday morning, with scrap metal dealers now actively scavenging the demolition sites for valuable remnants.

The evictions, which are part of a larger redevelopment plan for the area, have sparked widespread controversy.

Already, over 3,000 members of the Woodley Estate Residents Welfare Society (WRWS) filed a petition in the Milimani Law Courts, challenging the ongoing demolitions and evictions that kicked of in the wee hours of Tuesday morning

They argue that the land in question, a 10-acre plot valued at approximately Sh5 billion, is being unlawfully allocated to a private developer, African Reit Ltd, without following the required public consultation processes.

The petitioners, led by WRWS members Wanja Kimani, Peter Ngatia, John Mugwe, and Samson Mwangi, allege that the Nairobi City County Government, under the leadership of Governor Johnson Sakaja, has failed to engage in any meaningful dialogue with residents.

Instead, the government is offering financial compensation in an attempt to pacify those affected, which the residents view as an inadequate response to their concerns.

Lawyer Danstan Omari, who represents the petitioners, has strongly criticized the county government’s approach, calling it a violation of constitutional rights.

Omari emphasizes that residents should not be treated as second-class citizens, especially in a matter as serious as their right to property and due process.

The lawsuit argues that the current eviction process is part of a larger scheme to seize valuable land from the residents and hand it over to private developers, disregarding the legal rights of the people who have lived there for decades.

The dispute over the land is further complicated by the history of Woodley Estate.

Many residents claim they purchased their homes from the defunct Nairobi City Council decades ago, and they argue that this should have granted them security of tenure, just as similar transactions were honored in other parts of the city, such as Makadara and Dangoretti.

However, allegations of corruption and mismanagement have led to a situation where, in some cases, outsiders have been allowed to purchase properties, further exacerbating tensions within the community.

The controversy surrounding the redevelopment of Woodley Estate began in earnest in 2021, when the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) announced plans to redevelop the area.

The NMS initially stated that redevelopment would start with vacant sites, and that existing tenants would be given first priority for the new housing.

However, residents argue that these promises were never fulfilled, and the current administration is proceeding with evictions without proper consultation or legal procedures.

In their petition, the WRWS is seeking interim orders to stop the demolitions and evictions, arguing that the government’s Affordable Housing Project (AHP) and urban renewal initiatives should not come at the expense of residents’ established rights.

The petitioners stress that Woodley Estate holds significant cultural and historical value, having been home to multiple generations of families who have invested time and resources in developing the area.

The estate also includes important community infrastructure, such as schools, churches, and other amenities, which the residents fear could be lost in the redevelopment process.

Another key concern raised by the petitioners is the environmental impact of the proposed redevelopment.

The 10-acre plot in question includes the only playing field for Joseph Kangethe Primary School, a crucial green space in an otherwise densely built-up area.

The destruction of this space, the residents argue, would violate constitutional guarantees of the right to a clean and healthy environment, as well as the rights of children to have access to recreational facilities that support their physical development.

As the deadline for evictions and demolitions draws near, the WRWS is calling for the Nairobi City County Government, the National Government, and all relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law.

The petitioners are demanding a halt to the illegal eviction and demolition process, the cessation of unfair land allocation, and strict adherence to due process in the handling of the matter.

The post Tensions Rise at Woodley Estate as 42 Houses Demolished Ahead of Tuesday Midnight Deadline appeared first on Insider Bits News.

A Nairobi court has postponed pretrial proceedings for two directors of TRV Towers Limited, Tribhovan Anlalji Chavada and his son Jayesh Ribovan Chavda, who are accused of embezzling Ksh 112 million from the company.

The case, which was scheduled for pretrial hearing, was adjourned to January 13, 2025, after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) informed the court that it was not ready to provide the defense with the necessary evidence.

During the hearing, the ODPP sought additional time to prepare and disclose the evidential materials to the defense counsel, which led to the adjournment.

The prosecution’s failure to supply the defense with evidence on time raised concerns from the complainant’s former High Court Judge Joseph Mutava, who objected to the delay.

He informed the court that his client, the complainant in the case, would be applying for a review of the bond terms for the accused persons, arguing that the continued delays in the case warranted a reassessment of their bail conditions.

Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi allowed the adjournment to give the defense and prosecution time to review and address the bond terms.

Tribhovan Chavada, the managing director of TRV Towers, and his son Jayesh Chavda face serious charges of theft, conspiracy to defraud, and document forgery.

According to the charge sheet, between October 18, 2019, and July 31, 2023, Tribhovan allegedly stole Ksh 112 million, money that he had access to by virtue of his position in the company.

His son Jayesh is charged alongside him for allegedly conspiring to steal the same amount of money.

Additionally, the two are accused of forging Bank of Baroda account opening documents, which they allegedly presented as authentic to cover up their illicit activities.

The prosecution has claimed that Tribhovan Chavada misused his position as managing director of TRV Towers to divert company funds for personal gain.

The alleged theft was carried out through fraudulent financial transactions, including the creation of fictitious bank accounts with forged documents.

The stolen money, according to the charge sheet, was siphoned off over a period of several years while the father and son allegedly conspired to cover up the crime.

Both Tribhovan and Jayesh have denied the charges, and they are currently out on bail while awaiting trial.

Tribhovan was granted bail in the amount of Ksh 200,000, while his son Jayesh’s bail was set at Ksh 150,000.

The continued delays in the case, however, have led the defense to seek a review of these bond terms.

The defense argued that the extended period before the trial, combined with the lack of progress in the case, justified revisiting the bail conditions.

The adjournment to January 2025 means that the case will not proceed for several more months, frustrating those awaiting a resolution.

While the case has been delayed, the prosecution has indicated that it is preparing a thorough case and will be ready to present the evidence when the trial resumes in January.

The involvement of the company’s top management, particularly the managing director and his son, has led to concerns about oversight and accountability in large organizations.

The defense and prosecution will both have several months to prepare before the next hearing, where Magistrate Ekhubi will also consider the application for the review of the bond terms.

The post Court Adjourns Pretrial in TRV Towers Directors’ Ksh 112 Million Theft Case to January 2025 appeared first on Insider Bits News.

This legal action comes after a court ruling denied Waititu’s attempt to dismiss the charges.

During the mention, Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina determined that the charges of offensive conduct brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were valid and in accordance with the law.

The magistrate stated that the charges met the requirements set forth in Sections 334 and 137 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), emphasizing that dismissing them would constitute an improper use of judicial discretion.

“The charge before this court meets the requirements of the relevant sections of the Criminal Procedure Code; hence, rejecting it would be inappropriate,” Judge Onyina ruled. He rejected Waititu’s request for the charges to be quashed, confirming that the case would proceed.

Waititu’s legal team, comprising lawyers Martha Karua and Ndegwa Njiru, argued that the charges were defective and attempting to prosecute him under such terms would amount to an abuse of court processes and violate his fundamental rights. Despite these claims, the court upheld the DPP’s case.

The charges stem from remarks made by Waititu at a public rally in Ruiru Stadium on September 29, 2024, where he allegedly made derogatory statements about President Ruto’s policies.

The prosecution contends that these comments were not only offensive but were also intended to incite a breach of peace.

In light of the ongoing case, Magistrate Onyina ordered that Waititu continue to be released on his previous personal bond of Sh 50,000.

The next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, where it will be confirmed whether police have returned his mobile phone, which was reportedly confiscated during the investigation.

The post Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu Charged with Offensive Conduct Against President Ruto After Court Denies Dismissal of Charges appeared first on Insider Bits News.

The High Court declined to issue orders to block Parliament from proceeding with discussions, thereby allowing the planned impeachment motion to move forward on October 8, 2024.

The petitions, including one from Gachagua’s close ally Cleophas Malala, had initially secured a conservatory order from eleven judges, barring MPs from taking action against the Deputy President.

However, during a hearing presided over by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, the court dismissed a second request from Malala to prohibit Parliament from deliberating on Gachagua’s conduct.

Justice Mwamuye instead directed that the matter be referred to Principal Judge Chacha Mwita for clarification on whether the 19 petitions challenging the impeachment should be consolidated.

This decision followed concerns that multiple petitions filed in different courts could lead to conflicting rulings.

“This court finds merit in the suggestion that the matters be heard together to avoid conflicting decisions,” Justice Mwamuye stated.

He emphasized the need for clarity given the number of cases revolving around the impeachment motion.

The consolidation request was put forward by Paul Nyamondi, representing the National Assembly, who argued that the related petitions should be considered together to streamline the legal process.

“We risk having several determinations regarding the impeachment of Gachagua at this interlocutory stage,” Nyamondi explained.

In opposition, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, represented by lawyer Kuyioni Josphat, asserted that the issue of consolidation should take precedence over interim orders to halt the impeachment discussions.

He argued that the Speaker, as a party to the petitions, faced similar legal predicaments as the National Assembly itself.

Malala’s lawyer, Mwenda Njagi, put forth a vigorous argument against the impeachment proceedings, claiming that if the discussion were to take place, it would render their legal efforts an “academic exercise.”

Njagi stressed that proceeding with the impeachment would violate the two-thirds gender rule, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding the case.

With the High Court’s refusal to grant interim relief, the stage is set for a decisive parliamentary debate.

If Gachagua is impeached, he could be barred from holding any public office for life, heightening the stakes for both him and his supporters as the political and legal battles unfold.

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