State House defends President Ruto after criticism over Judiciary remarks

State House has now affirmed that President William Ruto's push for judicial reforms is unstoppable, telling off the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for criticising and attempting to advise the Head of State on the independence of the Judiciary and Constitutionalism.

This comes after LSK President Eric Theuri, in a press address on Wednesday, urged President Ruto take back his remarks on the Judiciary, vowing to take to the streets for peaceful protests next week.

In a subsequent statement by Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, State House intimated that the advice by LSK was not necessary as the President has consistently upheld the rule of law and respected court orders, even in regards to his affordable housing pet project.

Mohamed cited another example of President Ruto’s first order of business upon assuming office where he appointed judges who had been denied appointment by the past government, as another instance where he followed the law.

“We, however, agree with the Law Society of Kenya that Executive impunity is unacceptable. However, legislative impunity, by its own measure, is also unacceptable and so is judicial impunity,” he stated.

“As a believer in the Constitution, President Ruto recognises the imperative to lead by example in defending our constitutional values. This includes shielding innocent citizens from judicial misconduct perpetrated by corrupt officers colluding with vested interests.”

Mohamed added: “Corruption, whether within the Judiciary, the Executive or the Legislature and, indeed, among the general public must not find refuge behind the shield of judicial independence. It is our duty to expose and hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices whoever they maybe and wherever they are.”

According to the State House Spokesperson, it would be a dereliction of the President's oath of office, and a betrayal of the people's mandate to allow their hopes and aspirations to be obstructed by corruption and impunity.

“We are back to the clamour for judiciary reforms last witnessed during President Mwaki Kibaki's tenure when it was said: ‘Why pay for a lawyer’s services when you can pay a judge?’ We must never allow the return of such impunity in Kenya,” Mohamed added.

“The Executive is mandated to deliver to the people after an election. Should the President fulfil commitments to the people and their needs, or should the Executive seek concurrence from the Judiciary to deliver on what the people voted for?”