The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has condemned recent statements from President William Ruto that alluded to corruption in the judiciary.
In a statement, ICJ said,
“ICJ Kenya vehemently condemns the President’s statements that cast aspersions on the integrity and independence of the judiciary. These statements undermine the constitutional principles governing the separation of power and threatens Kenya’s rule of law and judicial independence.”
Early this week, President Ruto claimed corrupt judicial professionals are undermining government projects by receiving bribes to allow court cases challenging his administration’s plans to improve the well-being of Kenyans.
On the other hand, the ICJ has added,
“Per the law such allegations must be thoroughly investigated and substantiated through due process, ensuring the preservation of judicial impartiality. All parties must use the appropriate channels to ventilate any issues.”
The president mentioned the housing levy which was termed illegal in a court case in 2023 with a ruling that directed the government to fix irregularities in the law. Nevertheless, the state was allowed to continue deducting the levy from salaried Kenyans until January this year.
Ruto has also claimed that certain individuals benefiting from corruption in the NHIF entity are undermining his plan to introduce the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), saying the new scheme seeks to help Kenyans access healthcare.
This happens as Ruto’s administration is riddled with court cases against various executive decisions since he got into office.
Kenyans’ reaction to Ruto’s remarks on the judiciary
His sentiments received backlash from Kenyans, including politicians, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and Chief Justice Martha Koome.
Responding to Ruto’s remarks, Opposition Leader Raila Odinga said Ruto had crossed a line following his staunch remarks on the judiciary, adding that they will not allow it.
Odinga also accused Ruto of going against the same judiciary that upheld his election into office.
Chief Justice Koome urged the judiciary to continue upholding the law and not be intimidated by the president’s remarks, saying his sentiments are setting up the country for anarchy.
The LSK has also threatened to hold demonstrations against Ruto.
When the Supreme Court upheld the results of the 2022 general election, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was not pleased, adding that even though the judiciary should be respected, sometimes actions taken by the institution should be scrutinized.
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