Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood vows to defend CJ Martha Koome in impeachment probe

 

Imenti North lawmaker Rahim Dawood has vowed to defend Chief Justice Martha Koome from impeachment.

The lawmaker spoke days after a Kenyan petitioned the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) seeking Koome’s ouster.

But Dawood, while speaking at a public event in his constituency suggested that he was ready to defend the CJ who is ‘one of their own’ from public attacks.

The lawmaker further claims that Koome was under attack for political reasons.

“We, as Meru people, won’t allow anyone to bully our Chief Justice. There are three arms of the government; Judiciary, Legislature, and the Executive, and I believe each should have the freedom to do what it believes is right,” he said.

He added, “Even though we may not agree with some of the judiciary’s decisions, we can appeal and enact appropriate laws. Sometimes the Judiciary overreaches, possibly influenced by external forces seeking to tarnish Kenya Kwanza’s image. We need to investigate this thoroughly”.

According to the MP, who is serving his third term, the petitioner lacks sufficient grounds to oust CJ Koome.

Chief Justice Martha Koome hails from the legislator’s constituency, Imenti North, and he emphasised the Judiciary values its independence.

“The petitioner will need to provide substantial evidence because baseless allegations cannot justify impeachment. We stand with CJ Martha Koome, and as Meru people, we will support her. We won’t allow anyone to intimidate our CJ; she is from North Imenti,” Dawood declared.

The petition seeking the impeachment of Chief Justice Martha Koome is the latest development in the escalating conflict between the executive and the judiciary.

This comes shortly after President William Ruto’s administration lost several court cases involving his flagship projects.

The executive, led by Dr Ruto and senior Kenya Kwanza lawmakers, has accused judges of accepting bribes to rule against government policies.

The president claims that some judges are collaborating with his opponents to hinder key projects like affordable housing and universal health care.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had even threatened to petition the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) against a judge who ruled in one of his corruption cases.

However, he later withdrew the threat to facilitate dialogue between the executive and the judiciary.

As the JSC prepares to deliberate on the matter, MP Dawood, alongside his fellow Meru lawmakers, has vowed to closely monitor the case.

By Sammy Waweru