President William Ruto
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President William Ruto has addressed and defended his recent criticism of the Judiciary.
President Ruto remains firm in his belief that Kenya cannot allow judicial impunity, despite the criticism he has received for his comments on disobeying court orders from "corrupt judges." On Wednesday, Chief Justice Martha Koome and Opposition leader Raila Odinga voiced their apprehension that the President's disregard for the rule of law could lead to chaos. However, President Ruto has issued a response from the State House in Nairobi addressing their concerns.
Ruto emphasises that the shield of judicial independence should not protect against corruption, regardless of whether it is found within the Judiciary, the Executive, the Legislature, or among the general public. The President also disputes the Law Society of Kenya, asserting that they have no jurisdiction to offer advice on constitutional matters and the independence of the Judiciary. Additionally, he stresses the importance of addressing the influence of vested interests and corrupt judicial officials.
The President, affirming himself as a staunch supporter of the Constitution, recognizes the significance of setting a good example in upholding our constitutional principles. This entails safeguarding Kenyan citizens from corrupt officials who collude with vested interests and engage in judicial misconduct. One Kenya and Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has recently advised the President to exhibit respect for the other branches of government and warns against any interference with the Judiciary.
Odinga accuses the President of attempting to control the Judiciary by intimidating judges and magistrates, influencing their decisions on cases related to his policies. Odinga states that he is committed to ensuring the government upholds the rule of law and reduces the cost of living. He stressed that Kenyans have already made considerable sacrifices in the pursuit of constitutional democracy and are ready to do so once more in the present year.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has echoed similar apprehensions, cautioning against the President's dismissive attitude towards court orders and highlighting the potential consequences of such behaviour, including the risk of anarchy within the nation. Koome's memo to judges and judicial officers stresses the importance of upholding the rule of law and avoiding chaos and disorder.
According to the CJ, when State or public officials openly disregard court orders, it not only undermines the principles of the Constitution but also establishes a perilous precedent. Therefore, it is crucial to always act in a manner consistent with the values embodied in our Constitution.
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The rule of law is what holds the fabric that we call "Kenya" together.
That law must work for all Kenyans or atleast seem to work.
If Kenya ends up being only one person's policy, then we will all listen to the 42 tribes making each it's own policies based on their own cultures and their creator's intended purpose.
This time than any other time if man's law fail, God's law will replace it.
We have always said prayers " May what is done in heaven, be done on earth"
The reality is, that is what we are ushering in 2024.
May the will of God be done!!
I realized within the first few months of the Ruto presidency that if one pays too much attention to his public statements, that person will surely develop a hatred towards those few Kenyans who voted for him. The man and his motley crew of CSs are just not leadership material.