Martha Koome Dismisses Viral Post Linking Gachagua to Jail Threat Over Impeachment Case

Martha Koome Dismisses Viral Post Linking Gachagua to Jail Threat Over Impeachment Case

On Saturday, May 24, Chief Justice Martha Koome flagged a viral social media post as fake. The post falsely claimed that the Judiciary had warned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against misinterpreting the law to avoid jail.

The post, which spread across X and Facebook, alleged that Gachagua’s impeachment by the Senate remained permanent—despite him seeking legal intervention.

“If you’re impeached, you’re impeached permanently. Even if you have a case in court, you’re still impeached. The appeal does not make you clean or take away the sentence,” the misleading post claimed.

Worse still, it accused Gachagua of twisting the law to suit himself.

“Rigathi Gachagua is trying to interpret the law in a way that pleases him and that could land him in jail,” the post further alleged.

Judiciary Clears the Air

Following public outcry, the Judiciary moved quickly to clarify.

“We distance ourselves from the viral post. It is false and misleading,” said a Judiciary statement released online.

The clarification followed rising concerns from Kenyans who demanded an official comment from CJ Martha Koome herself.

Same Judges Reappointed by Koome

Interestingly, this comes a day after CJ Koome reappointed the same three judges who had initially been selected to hear Gachagua’s petition.

Koome appointed Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi to handle the legal challenge filed by Gachagua’s team against the Senate and National Assembly.

Previously, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu had picked the same trio. However, the Court of Appeal nullified that decision, saying only the Chief Justice holds that power.

“Only the Chief Justice can empanel a bench to hear a matter of such national importance,” the Court of Appeal ruled.

As a result, Gachagua’s team had moved to court last year, arguing that Mwilu’s selection was unconstitutional.

More Misinformation, More Clarity Needed

The Judiciary urged Kenyans to verify information before sharing. Officials stressed the need to fight misinformation, especially in politically sensitive matters.

“Let the public rely on our official platforms for accurate legal updates,” the statement concluded.

For now, the Judiciary insists Gachagua’s case remains before a legally reappointed bench—and not in the court of public opinion.

ALSO READ:Court Drops Bombshell: DCJ Mwilu Had No Power in Gachagua Impeachment Case

Martha Koome Dismisses Viral Post Linking Gachagua to Jail Threat Over Impeachment Case