Despite the strong criticism coming from Kenyans following his threat to disobey court orders issued by ‘corrupt judges’, President William Ruto has maintained his onslaught on the judiciary.
In a statement on Thursday on his X account, the Head of State insisted that he would ensure that impunity in the judiciary is a thing of the past.
“Ahmednasir SC, you warned me of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers. I told you there are many good officers in the judiciary and that we will root out the corrupt. We shall. Muite SC, the impunity of bribing judges so as not to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under my watch. Not a single cent will be used to bribe anybody. Mambo ya wafisadi wote ni yale nilisema,” the president said.
Corruption in the judiciary has been a subject of discussion in Kenya recently, with the president saying that a few individuals in the arm of government are out to frustrate his administration. In light of these remarks, Chief Justice Martha Koome said that by defying the rule of law, the Head of State would be setting the stage for anarchy.
In his response, in a statement issued by State House, Nairobi, Ruto said we must expose and hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices, whoever they may be and wherever they are.
“Corruption, whether within the judiciary, the executive, the legislature, or the general public, must not find refuge behind the shield of judicial independence. It would be a dereliction of the president’s oath of office and a betrayal of the people’s mandate to allow their hopes and aspirations to be obstructed by corruption and impunity,” President Ruto said.
Furthermore, the President said that historically, Kenya has been held back by a few corrupt individuals and those with vested interests who impede inclusive national development.
Ruto has also emphasized the need to respect the independence of our judiciary and has vowed to respect decisions made by the Kenyan courts. However, he recognizes the imperative to lead by example in defending our constitutional values.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has cautioned the President against interfering with the judiciary and that he is ready to push the Kenya Kwanza administration to bring down the cost of living and respect for democracy.
