“Dissolve the Government!” – Cleophas Malala Shocks Nation After Court of Appeal Ruling

“Dissolve the Government!” – Cleophas Malala Shocks Nation After Court of Appeal Ruling

Kenya’s political scene is boiling after the Court of Appeal delivered a game-changing ruling in favour of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

On Friday, May 9, appellate judges overturned Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu’s empanelling of a High Court bench. That same bench had earlier dismissed Gachagua’s petition to block his replacement after impeachment.

Fresh Panel, Fresh Fire

Now, the judges have directed Chief Justice Martha Koome to form a new bench within 14 days. This panel will hear the petition afresh.

Clearly, the ruling has energized Gachagua’s supporters. But it was former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala’s response that shook the nation.

“This is Not a Government!” – Malala Declares

In a scathing statement, Malala called for President William Ruto to dissolve his government and return to the people for a fresh mandate.

“Inevitably, the current administration has irretrievably lost legitimacy,” Malala stated.

“What we now have is not a government but a hollow shell—oblong in shape, directionless in ideology, and incoherent in structure.”

According to Malala, Gachagua’s ouster weakened the president’s inner circle. As a result, the team left behind lacks the strength to implement Ruto’s agenda.

“Leverage the IEBC Process” – Malala Tells Ruto

Malala now wants the president to use the ongoing IEBC reconstitution to trigger a national reset.

“Now that the process of reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is underway, it is my unequivocal view that the president must act in the highest interest of the Republic by dissolving the government and seek a fresh mandate from the people—this time with his newly assembled, patchwork coalition of so-called ‘broad-based partners’,” Malala urged.

Legality of Gachagua’s Impeachment in Question

At the heart of this legal storm is the question of whether the Deputy Chief Justice had the authority to assign the original Kerugoya bench.

Multiple petitioners, including activist Enock Aura, argued the judges had a conflict of interest. Through lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui, Aura requested a five-judge panel to handle the appeal, citing fairness concerns.

In addition, Aura challenged the legality of Kithure Kindiki’s swift swearing-in as Deputy President, calling it unconstitutional.

What Next for Ruto?

With Gachagua’s camp reinvigorated and political pressure mounting, all eyes are now on President Ruto. Will he dissolve the government as Malala demands? Or will he dig in and fight on?

ALSO READ:Kindiki Fires Back at Critics: “Even Kibaki Was Called Coward, Yet He Became President”

“Dissolve the Government!” – Cleophas Malala Shocks Nation After Court of Appeal Ruling