President Ruto's Judiciary Remarks Spark National Outcry: Leaders and Lawyers Demand Accountability

In a dramatic turn of events, a section of the country's top leaders, politicians, and legal experts have voiced their discontent with President William Ruto's recent attacks on the Judiciary. The controversy erupted following Ruto's statement at a funeral in Nyandarua County, where he hinted that his administration would no longer adhere to court orders, accusing the Judiciary of corruption.

“Our Judiciary, we respect you but judicial impunity by corrupt judicial officers must stop in Kenya...we’ll stop it and whatever it takes,” said the President.

The President's declaration, labeling the Judiciary's actions as "judicial impunity by corrupt judicial officers," has ignited a wave of criticism from prominent figures across the nation. Siaya Governor and Senior Counsel James Orengo took to social media, denouncing Ruto's statements as "infamy to our constitutional order" and emphasizing the need for legal mechanisms to address any grievances.

“There is always a legal mechanism of overturning judicial decisions obtained by fraud or for cleaning a rogue judiciary. The office of the president has many tools, and disobedience of inconvenient court orders is certainly not one of them,” added Orengo.

Constitutional expert Dr. Ekuru Aukot labeled Ruto's remarks as direct threats against the Judiciary and individual judges who may have ruled unfavorably for the Kenya Kwanza administration. Aukot asserted that the President's words amounted to undermining a crucial arm of the government and called for accountability.

“President William Ruto is directly threatening judges and undermining the other arm of government, the Judiciary. He is also complicit since he claims to have evidence of corrupt judges but does not want to share with the JSC! Under criminal law, he is culpable,” noted Aukot.

Law professor Prof. Makau Mutua advised Ruto to focus on cleaning up the Judiciary instead of defying court orders, warning against a descent into lawlessness.

"The answer to a corrupt judiciary isn’t defiance of court orders. It’s comprehensive reform of the judiciary — removing corrupt judges, sacking/removing corrupt politicians/civil servants, dismantling colluding cartels in the bar, and jailing corrupt businesspersons,” said Prof. Mutua.

Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, perceived as a Ruto ally, suggested that the President initiate judicial reforms and criticized him for not taking earlier advice in this regard.

Grand Mullah, as he is popularly known, however went on to make allegations about corruption in the Judiciary during the previous government, even going further to tell the President that if he cannot undertake proper changes in the legal arm of government then he should also just give in and “bribe the judges yourself.”

He stated: “William Ruto should instead of disobeying court orders issued by corrupt/bribe taking judges follow the manual by Uhuru administration...bribe the judges yourself!”

Outspoken lawyer Miguna Miguna reminded President Ruto that the Judiciary played a pivotal role in upholding his election when it was contested.

“Let me give President William Ruto a free but important advice: Stop threatening the judiciary. Stop threatening Kenyan litigants. Yes, there is corruption in every sector of the Kenyan society, including at State House where you reside and work,” he stated.

“We have many lawful mechanisms of bringing about structural transformation of the Kenyan society. Use them. We have a plethora of strategies and tactics of wresting grand corruption in Kenya. But autocratic means are not among them. Avoid autocracy and those urging you to make the wrong turn. Because we still have enough patriotic Kenyans prepared and ready to sacrifice their lives in defense of the Constitution, democracy and the rule of law!” added Miguna.

The unfolding situation is attracting widespread attention as leaders call for adherence to the rule of law and respect for judicial independence. President Ruto's controversial statements have not only strained relations with the Judiciary but have also ignited discussions on the future of legal governance in Kenya. As the nation watches, the spotlight remains on the unfolding dynamics between the Executive and the Judiciary, with calls for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to upholding the constitution.