Orengo terms Ruto’s remarks against judiciary reckless and dangerous

Speaking in Nyandarua County on Tuesday, the Head of State decried what he termed as judicial impunity by corrupt judicial officers aied at derailing government projects. 

The Head of State slammed those heading to court to stop projects like the affordable housing, stating that “We will not allow these people to derail our plans.”

Now, the Siaya Governor argues that the Constitution of Kenya lays out clear terms on the systems of checks and balances and is not upon the president to decide on which decision that he is going to honor or defy.

Orengo added that of all the statements that the President has made, this is the most dangerous remark that is undermining the constitution and the sovereign power of the people.

Orengo says that the President needs to know that there is a clear procedure for overturning court decisions which are purportedly obtained through fraud or corrupt practices.

“Executive power is limited by law, there are things he cannot do. If he does anything that does not fall within the realm of his powers, including defying court orders and violating the constitution, those attract punishment and penal sanctions. He is not above the law,” Orengo told Citizen Digital on Wednesday. 

He said that the President can channel his concerns through the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in which he has a representative or make a report to the appropriate offices including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Inspector General of police but cannot say that he is going to defy court orders.

The Siaya Governor who spoke at his rural home in Ugenya constituency reminded President Ruto that the Judiciary does not share any judicial authority with him.

Other leaders have also raised concern with President Ruto’s remarks, where he implied that he will defy court orders to foster development in the country. 

On Wednesday, the Judiciary under Chief Justice Martha Koome condemned the president’s remarks as they touch on matters presently still being deliberated in court, noting that they can hence only serve to intimidate judges to rule in a certain way.

She further urged the judges and judicial staff to continue exercising their duties in accordance with the law and without any undue influence from any authority, adding that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will protect them.