‘Court Won’t Be Intimidated’: Judges Rebuke Gachagua’s Lawyers for Tactics in Court
Three High Court judges issued a stern rebuke to impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s legal team, accusing them of attempting to intimidate the court and present a self-serving narrative of its decisions. The Principal Judge Eric Ogola, alongside Justices Dr. Fredah Mugambi and Antony Mrima, highlighted the unsubstantiated and baseless nature of the accusations of bias against the bench.
While delivering the court’s ruling on the formation of the judicial panel, Justice Mugambi sharply criticized the selective approach taken by Gachagua’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Paul Muite. She emphasized that the team conveniently disregarded the conservatory orders they were benefiting from.
“The applicants selectively focused on aspects that favored them while conveniently disregarding the fact that they are enjoying the conservatory orders,” Justice Mugambi stated, expressing the panel’s disapproval of the biased application.
Gachagua’s team had also questioned the rescheduling of the proceedings, originally slated for Thursday, October 24, to Tuesday, October 22, but the court firmly dismissed these concerns. Justice Mugambi commented on the matter, stating, “The applicants no longer perceive the urgency of this matter. Instead, they are casting aspersions on the bench.”
The court further warned the legal team against “playing to the gallery,” following accusations that the judges were involved in a conspiracy to obstruct justice. The bench made it clear that such assertions had no merit and that the court remains committed to upholding the rule of law.
“This argument was playing to the gallery, the court remains committed to follow the rule of law,” Justice Mugambi added. Gachagua’s lead lawyer, Paul Muite, voiced concerns over this assessment, insisting that the comments be struck from the record, claiming they were damaging to the legal counsel’s reputation.
The panel also condemned remarks suggesting the need for a judicial “radical surgery,” similar to what occurred during President Mwai Kibaki’s first term, deeming them inappropriate and uncalled for.
“The bench feels those comments are regrettable. The court remains firm and will not be swayed by any form of intimidations,” Justice Mugambi asserted, concluding the judgment.
Gachagua’s legal team has signaled their intent to appeal the ruling, citing dissatisfaction with the court’s conduct and decision.
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‘Court Won’t Be Intimidated’: Judges Rebuke Gachagua’s Lawyers for Tactics in Court