Ruto Presides over the Swearing-in of Six Judges Rejected by Uhuru

Just a day after assuming office, President Ruto has presided over the swearing-in of the six judges whose nominations were rejected by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta.

The six were recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for appointments three years ago, but Kenyatta declined their nomination citing adverse reports against them from the intelligence service.

Ruto witnessed their swearing-in at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday. The oaths were administered by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi.

“Kenya can only be better if we become a country of the rule of law. Anything else leads to anarchy and confusion. We are all equal before the law. Even as president I have limitations and I should respect them, just like all other arms of government have limitations. We must all live within our mandates… It is the rule of law, not the rule of man,” Ruto said during the ceremony.

Korir Weldon Kipyegon, Muchelule Aggrey Otsyula, Odunga George Vincent and Prof. Joel Mwaura Ngugi were sworn in as Appeal Court judges while Makori Evans Kiago and Cheruiyot Omange Judith Elizabeth took oath as Environment and Land Court judges.

“I am looking forward to supporting the Judiciary so that it can dispense its mandate. It is important that we have an independent and efficient Judiciary,” Ruto added.

Ruto further expressed his administration’s commitment to respecting the independence of the Judiciary and urged the courts to support his administration by ensuring that corruption and land cases are determined in good time.

“That way we can promote Kenya as a country that attracts investment. Investors can have more confidence if we can dispense justice in a timely manner,” he said.

Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Attorney-General Kihara Kariuki and retired Chief Justice David Maraga were also present at the ceremony.