Chief Justice Martha Koome responded to the President’s comments about the judiciary impeding his key projects. This reaction followed President William Ruto’s assertion that corrupt judicial officers were collaborating with powerful figures to obstruct government programs for personal gain.
“The JSC wishes to reaffirm the independence and integrity of the Judiciary as a co-equal arm of government as enshrined in the Constitution and urges all judges and judicial officers to continue to perform their official duties without fear or favour,” Koome asserted.
Koome expressed concern on behalf of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), stating, “The JSC has noted with concern that honorable judges and judicial officers have been criticized for issuing court orders perceived to be against state programs.” She emphasized the independence and integrity of the Judiciary as a constitutional co-equal branch and urged judges to perform their duties without bias.
The Chief Justice reminded judges that judicial authority, safeguarded by Article 160(1), must be upheld. Addressing corruption allegations, she assured Kenyans that the JSC would handle complaints against judges promptly and firmly, in accordance with the Constitution.
While speaking during a burial ceremony in Nyandarua county, Ruto accused cartels of using the court system to hinder reforms in the National Hospital Insurance Fund and the affordable housing project, claiming they aimed to steal taxpayer funds. The President’s declaration to defy court orders for development faced criticism from the Chief Justice, elders, and lawyers.
