Former senator Cleophas Malala says Rigathi Gachagua remains Kenya's real Deputy President after Friday's court decision. He praised the ruling that found Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu broke rules when she picked three judges for Gachagua's case. The appeals court said only the Chief Justice can choose judges for such matters. Malala stressed that earlier court orders stopping the impeachment process stay active. These orders also prevented Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki from taking over as deputy president.
The appeals court judges Daniel Musinga, Mumbi Ngugi, and Francis Tuiyott decided that judge assignments belong only to the Chief Justice. Gachagua's lawyers had fought Mwilu's decision to send files to Judges Eric Ogola, Antony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi. Chief Justice Martha Koome first created this team. More legal challenges appeared as the Senate approved removing Gachagua from office. The court orders blocked President William Ruto from naming a replacement. Mwilu sent these cases to the Ogola team because Koome traveled abroad at that time.
The appeals court judges Daniel Musinga, Mumbi Ngugi, and Francis Tuiyott decided that judge assignments belong only to the Chief Justice. Gachagua's lawyers had fought Mwilu's decision to send files to Judges Eric Ogola, Antony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi. Chief Justice Martha Koome first created this team. More legal challenges appeared as the Senate approved removing Gachagua from office. The court orders blocked President William Ruto from naming a replacement. Mwilu sent these cases to the Ogola team because Koome traveled abroad at that time.
