President William Ruto’s administration is facing criticism from Chief Justice Martha Koome for disregarding court orders and attacking Judiciary.
According to Ruto,he accuses Koome for sabotaging his government’s agenda and has vowed to ignore court orders.
“It is regrettable that the leadership of the executive and legislature in their recent public declarations have threatened not to obey court orders.”
Additionally,she added that,
“These threats and declarations are extremely serious and a monumental assault on the Constitution.
The rule of law and the very stability of the nation and can lead to chaos and anarchy in our motherland,”CJ Koome said.
However,His deputy, Rigathi is seeking the removal of Justice Esther Maina, claiming she tarnished his image in a previous ruling.
In response, Chief Justice Koome addressed the media,
Therefore,Koome expressed her concern that Ruto’s actions could lead to chaos and anarchy in the country.
She however ,warned that if the administration continues to disregard court orders, Kenya will face a constitutional crisis.
“The declaration that they will no longer obey Court Orders and the subsequent actual defiance of the orders granted by the courts are untenable and amount to contempt of court.”
“Allowed to continue unabated, we are on the precipice of a constitutional crisis that can lead to untold civil strife. The Judiciary and JSC cannot countenance this and will not be part of it,”Koome stated.
What Ruto says is halt
Thus,President Ruto is angered by court orders for halting various government projects,
including a social health scheme, a housing levy, and privatization plans.
“The court orders are motivated by ‘judicial impunity,”President Ruto said.
Morever,Chief Justice Koome emphasized that judges’ decisions can only be questioned through review, judicial review, or appeal.
Consequently,She stated that allegations of corruption or misconduct are taken seriously,
and judges can only be removed from office through due process.
“A judge is not liable in an action or suit in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the lawful performance of a judicial function,”she added.
72 petitions received
However,the Judicial Service Commission received 72 petitions and complaints against judges in 2023-with four petitions admitted for hearing.
“Six judges were asked to respond to the petitions out of which, four petitions were admitted for hearing. Forty-nine are undergoing preliminary evaluation by the commission,”CJ said.
No formal complain from Executive
Additionally,Chief Justice Koome also mentioned that they have not received any formal complaints from the executive.
Thus, they have reached out to President Ruto for a meeting to address any concerns.
“While no formal complaint has been received from the executive about alleged judicial malpractice, I have mentioned reaching out to President Ruto for a meeting to discuss any issues they have with the judicial arm,”she reiterated.
