CJ Koome, LSK, Kenyan Leaders Protest Ruto’s Attacks On Judiciary

NAIROBI Kenya January 3 -The Chief Justice Martha Koome, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday castigated President William Ruto over his recent threats and corrupt accusations against the Judiciary.

The President had on Tuesday accused the legal arm of government of corruption and deliberate attempts to stall key government projects, and vowed to disobey court orders that presumably do not favour such projects.

CJ Koome, in an internal memo to judges and Judiciary staff, condemned the remarks as they touch on matters presently still being deliberated in court, noting that they can hence only serve to intimidate judges to rule in a certain way.

“This trend, if let to continue will break down the governance structures set up by the Constitution exposing Kenya to anarchism,” the CJ said.

She dismissed the allegations of corruption adding that they should be presented to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and not discussed in public events.

“Declarations of corruption in public events and activities without corresponding procedural reporting mechanisms exposes an institution such as the Judiciary to public suspicion and distrust,” she stated.

The CJ further urged the judges and judicial staff to continue exercising their duties in accordance with the law and without any undue influence from any authority, adding that the JSC will protect them.

“The proper way to challenge a court decision, if one is dissatisfied, is to appeal or seek review in a higher court. Attacking judges and Judicial Officer who made a decision in the public undermine all the values of our Constitutional order,” she stated.

The CJ said such attacks when made on matters which are pending before any court also violate the sub judice imperative.

The President was referring to two of his pet projects in Universal Health Care (UHC) and affordable housing that were temporarily stopped by the courts.

“When State or public officers threaten to defy court orders, the rule of law is imperiled setting stage for anarchy to prevail in a nation,” she said.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also condemned the attacks saying lawyers will from January 8 stage countrywide peaceful demonstrations to protest against the president.

The LSK President Eric Theuri and his deputy Faith Odhiambo said all advocates and legal practitioners will put on purple ribbons during the demos to signify their support for the Judiciary and the rule of law.

They also urged President Ruto to recant his statements as he is setting a bad precedent for the rule of law in country.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga also termed the outburst by the President as a sign of an “impending absolute dictatorship” in the nation.

Odinga said the attacks were meant to intimidate the Judiciary so that judges can always rule in favour of the administration.

He however urged the Judiciary not to be cowed but to remain steadfast to protect the rule of law.

“Having captured Parliament, Ruto now wants to intimidate, subdue and capture the Judiciary. We appeal to the Judiciary to stand firm in defence of professionalism, independence, the rule of law and constitutionalism,” Odinga said.

Odinga wondered why the president was betraying the Judiciary a year after the same institution upheld his election victor.

“Azimio complained and still holds its position that no justice was done in 2022 but we have at every corner stood unwavering in our respect for the Judiciary, its judges and decisions,” Odinga noted.