President Ruto faulted over 'sword ni ya kufyeka wakora' remarks

Speaking at a thanksgiving mass in Kisii County on Saturday, Ruto expressed his intention to use the symbolic sword to "weed out crooks" opposing the Housing Levy, prompting concerns and reactions.

Ruto stated, "Si mnajua nilipewa sword. Kwani mnafikiri hiyo sword ni ya kukata mboga? Si ni ya kufyeka wakora hapa? Nitawafyeka kabisa, Kenya itasonga mbele." (You know I was given a sword. Do you think it's for cutting vegetables? It's for dealing with all these crooks here. I will uproot them completely, and Kenya will move forward).

In response, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Eric Theuri took to X stating that the sword symbolizes protection and upholding the Constitution, not oppression.

“Alongside the sword, the President was given the Constitution. The sword is intended to protect & uphold the Constitution and is not an instrument of oppression. As advocates, we similarly took an oath to protect the Constitution and rule of law,” the LSK President said.

He asserted that advocates, like himself, will not be intimidated.

“We will do so candidly, boldly and won't be threatened or intimidated from challenging any government decision that offends the Constitution. The Constitution of Kenya is our sword and we will swing it against impunity,” he asserted.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo also criticized Ruto, highlighting that the threat extends not only to parties and lawyers involved in court petitions but also to the courts handling the cases.

Amollo expressed concern about the broader implications of such statements on the judicial process.

“So, overlooked in Bunge, and now threatened with beheading for litigating the legality of the Housing Tax! This threat is not just to the parties and lawyers, but it’s directed at the Courts on a pending case!  This is how far we’ve sunk!” the legislator wrote.

The controversy follows the High Court's decision to quash the Housing Levy, meant to fund Ruto's campaign promise of affordable housing.

Justice David Majanja ruled the levy was unconstitutional, citing a violation of Article 10, 2 (a) of the constitution during the petitions challenging the Finance Act 2023.

The court would then grant stay orders restraining the quashing of the affordable housing levy until January 10, 2024.

The stay orders follow a request by the respondents in the case, led by lawyer George Murugara, for 45 days to comply with the court ruling.