Kenyan lawyers are planning to stage peaceful demonstrations next week to protest against President William Ruto’s attacks on the Judiciary-
and his refusal to obey court orders that he deems unfavorable to government projects.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Eric Theuri, announced this during a press address on Wednesday.
He stated that all advocates and legal practitioners will wear purple ribbons during the demonstrations to show their support for the Judiciary and the rule of law.
LSK Ask withdrawal of statement by Ruto
The LSK President, accompanied by his deputy Faith Odhiambo, called on President Ruto to retract his statements,
as they set a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in the country.
Mr. Theuri expressed concern about starting the year with a dark cloud hanging over the justice system due to the President’s remarks.
He emphasized that these remarks pose a threat to the rule of law and urged President Ruto to refrain from undermining the Judiciary.
“We are concerned as LSK that we begin the year with a dark cloud hovering around the justice system following president statement.”
“Those remarks are threat to the rule of law.We want the president to retract or else will send bad signals,”he said.
In addition, Mr. Theuri challenged the Head of State to provide evidence against corrupt judicial officers to the JSC for appropriate action-
rather than making unsubstantiated claims.
“We call upon the President of Kenya to avail evidence of corruption to JSC. When a hyena wants to eat its children, it starts telling them that they smell like sheep,” added the LSK boss.
He highlighted that President Ruto’s attacks on the Judiciary, without following the established legal framework,
indicate an autocratic style of governance.
Protest unfold by next week
To show their support for the rule of law, all advocates will wear yellow ribbons starting next week.
They plan to hold peaceful demonstrations nationwide to stand in solidarity with the independence of the Judiciary.
“All advocates will put on yellow ribbons beginning next week to signify their support for the rule of law.”
During these demonstrations, they will peacefully march and petition the Attorney General for action.
Concern
Mr. Theuri also raised a thought-provoking question, asking what would happen to an ordinary person seeking justice in court if the President refuses to obey court orders.
He added: “If the President says he can’t obey court orders what happens to a mama mboga in court seeking justice.”
This highlights the potential consequences of undermining the Judiciary’s authority.
The legal community in Kenya is determined to make their voices heard and protect the integrity of the justice system.
Detrimental action
They believe that President Ruto’s actions are detrimental to the rule of law and the principles of democracy.
The upcoming demonstrations will serve as a powerful display of unity and a call for the President to respect the independence of the Judiciary.
“We shall have a countrywide peaceful demonstrations to stand with the independence of the Judiciary.We shall match peacefully and petition the Attorney General,”he stated.
