Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu Files Petition to Oust Chief Justice David Maraga

Nyeri Town Member Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has filed a petition with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in a bid to oust Chief Justice David Maraga.

Speaking outside the Supreme Court on Thursday moments after filing the petition, Wambugu noted that he seeks to challenge Maraga's tenability.

"I am challenging how he has conducted himself since he was appointed to the Supreme Court. He has allowed Judiciary to be taken hostage by individuals," the Legislator stated.

In the 14-page petition, the MP accuses the CJ of “gross misconduct” and wants the Judicial Service Commission, the employer of judges and magistrates, to probe the conduct of Maraga since his appointment as CJ.

He further accuses Maraga of instituting "a judicial coup" as the head of the third arm of government and that he has been held captive by a group of NGOs who have been campaigning against Uhuru Kenyatta's presidency.

He also alleges that Maraga allowed the non-profits to take over the Judiciary and have been funding a number of programmes, including technical support and training at the Judicial Training Institute.

Wambugu also says that the CJ barred Justice Mohamed Ibrahim from taking in the hearing of the presidential petition filed National Super Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga. Justice Ibrahim fell ill on the second day of the hearing of the case.

Justice Maraga, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Smokin Wanjala and Isaac Lenaola supported the nullification of the election citing irregularities and illegalities in the transmission of results, while Judges Njoki Ndung'u and JB Ojwang dissented.