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Chief Justice Hits Back at Ruto’s Attacks on The Judiciary
Chief Justice Martha Koome broke her silence Wednesday evening, firing back at recent attacks on the Judiciary, particularly by President William Ruto. In an internal memo and a separate public statement, she condemned attempts to influence judges through intimidation and defended the rule of law as paramount.
CJ Koome took strong exception to President Ruto’s criticisms of ongoing judicial decisions, calling them “intimidation” and a violation of the sub judice principle, which forbids public commentary on matters before the court. She emphasized the right of appeal through established channels and warned that such attacks undermine the entire Constitutional order.
Responding to President Ruto’s accusations of corruption within the Judiciary, CJ Koome outlined proper channels for reporting such claims, stressing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) as the designated authority. She vowed to engage with the Executive and Legislature to address any concerns but warned against public pronouncements that fuel distrust and “expose the Judiciary to public suspicion and distrust.”
The Chief Justice reaffirmed the Judiciary’s independence and its commitment to upholding the Constitution without fear or favor. She assured all Kenyans that the JSC will swiftly investigate and address any credible allegations of misconduct or corruption against judges, upholding its record of accountability.
CJ Koome emphasized the importance of respecting court orders, warning that defiance by state officials undermines the rule of law and access to justice for ordinary citizens. She underscored the JSC’s commitment to ensuring the effectiveness of the legal system and protecting the rights of all Kenyans.
LSK Announces Nationwide Protests Over Ruto’s Judicial Attacks
The Kenyan legal fraternity is up in arms against President William Ruto’s recent pronouncements on the Judiciary, vowing to take to the streets in nationwide demonstrations next week. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the umbrella body for all advocates, called the President’s statements a “dark cloud” over the justice system and a “threat to the rule of law.”
LSK President Eric Theuri, flanked by his deputy Faith Odhiambo, held a press conference on Wednesday where he issued a stark warning to the Head of State: “We urge President Ruto to recant his statements, or they will send very bad signals.” He pointedly reminded Ruto that the same courts he now criticizes upheld his own election, demonstrating their impartiality.
The demonstrations, planned to begin next week, will see lawyers across Kenya donning purple ribbons as a symbol of their support for the Judiciary and the rule of law. “We shall have countrywide peaceful demonstrations to stand with the independence of the Judiciary,” Theuri declared. “We shall match peacefully and petition the Attorney General.”
The LSK’s ire stems from President Ruto’s vow to disobey court orders he deems unfavorable to government projects. This statement, coupled with accusations of judicial corruption, has fueled anxieties about executive overreach and a potential erosion of judicial independence.
Theuri challenged the President to “avail evidence of corruption to JSC,” the Judicial Service Commission, instead of making “unsubstantiated claims.” He condemned the attacks as “an autocratic nature of governance,” comparing Ruto’s tactics to a hyena seeking to devour its own cubs.
Lobby Groups Demand Ruto Apologize to Judiciary for “Reckless Attacks”
A storm of condemnation erupted Thursday as four prominent lobby groups accused President William Ruto of launching “reckless and insidious attacks” on the Judiciary, demanding an immediate public apology.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), MUHURI, and Social Justice Centres issued a strongly worded statement blasting Ruto’s recent remarks regarding the judiciary, which they termed “an affront to the rule of law and the independence of vital institutions.”
“President Ruto must immediately issue an unequivocal apology to the Judiciary,” their statement declared. “Furthermore, he must cease the attacks, interference, intimidation, and threats he has directed not only at the judiciary but also towards other institutions and Kenyans who dare to challenge his retrogressive decisions.”
The statement went on to urge the judiciary to consider taking a drastic step: laying down its tools until Ruto retracts his statements. “For us, it is clear that the rule of law no longer holds sway under this regime,” the groups asserted.
Their criticisms didn’t stop there. They further accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of harboring a “proclivity towards autocracy, personal rule, and an insatiable desire to capture key institutions, all while blatantly disregarding the principles of the rule of law.”
The groups also took aim at the Attorney-General and Solicitor General, accusing them of failing in their duty to provide the President with sound legal counsel regarding the crucial role of the Judiciary. They encouraged Kenyans and the legal fraternity to consider filing complaints with the Law Society of Kenya against both officials, holding them accountable for their alleged lapse in judgment.
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