President William Ruto asserted on Sunday that he would dismiss any court rulings aimed at undermining his government’s agenda. In similar comments yesterday, the President accused unnamed judges of corruption in certain court decisions, leading to a halt in crucial projects.
Publicly accusing some judges of being involved in corruption cartels collaborating to thwart government programs such as housing projects and universal healthcare, the Head of State expressed his concerns.
On November 28, Justices David Majanja, Christine Meoli, and Lawrence Mugambi declared the Housing Levy unconstitutional and its continued implementation a violation of the constitution. However, the court allowed the government to collect the levy until January 10, when the case will be mentioned.
In the same month, the court halted the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023; the Primary Health Care Act, 2023; and the Digital Health Act, 2023. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and an activist challenged the implementation of the social health insurance scheme.
President Ruto made these remarks during the funeral service of Michael Maigo Waweru (father to Senator John Methu) in Njabini, Nyandarua County, on Tuesday. He also cited a road in the region stalled by a court feud as an example of development being derailed.
“We will not allow these people to derail our plans,” he declared, directing Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua to swiftly allocate funds for the construction of a road in Nyandarua County that had stalled due to a court order.
In his New Year speech, President Ruto criticized the judiciary for making decisions against government policies at the expense of the public interest. He specifically referred to the Judiciary’s move to declare the housing levy unconstitutional and issue conservatory orders against the implementation of three health acts pending the determination of a petition.
Ruto emphasized that in upholding constitutionalism and exercising institutional independence, caution must be taken not to hinder people’s legitimate opportunities, such as owning homes or accessing healthcare. He also urged the opposition and the two arms of government (legislature and judiciary) to ensure that the best ideas prevail in enhancing the well-being of the people on whose behalf the government acts.
