Judiciary Archives - Daily Trends

Chief Justice Martha Koome has taken a firm stand against allegations made by President Ruto and his allies, accusing some officers within the Judiciary of operating with impunity.
The Chief Justice highlighted the positive duties of the State in ensuring respect for the law and adherence to it.
CJ Koome underscored the significance of respecting court orders, particularly when they involve disputes between citizens and the State.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has fired a response to President William Ruto over his remarks on the Judiciary.

CJ Koome has taken a firm stand against allegations made by President Ruto and his allies, accusing some officers within the Judiciary of operating with impunity.

In an internal memo to judges, judicial officers and staff seen by Daily Trends on Wednesday, January 3, she condemned the 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.

The Supreme Court President also emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the judicial processes and called upon all Kenyans to report any acts that could compromise the judiciary.

Defending the Rule of Law

CJ Koome underscored the significance of respecting court orders, particularly when they involve disputes between citizens and the State.

She emphasized that deliberate disregard or disobedience of court orders by State officials undermines citizens’ right to access justice, posing a threat to the effectiveness of the legal system that citizens rely on to enforce their rights and legal duties.

Positive Duties of the State

The Chief Justice highlighted the positive duties of the State in ensuring respect for the law and adherence to it.

She urged State and Public Officers to recognize their responsibilities in upholding the rule of law, emphasizing the need for effective mechanisms to resolve disputes.

This statement reaffirms the Judiciary’s commitment to maintaining a legal system that citizens can trust and depend on.

JSC’s Commitment to Accountability

In response to the allegations, Chief Justice Koome assured the public that the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) is dedicated to keeping the Judiciary in order.

She emphasized that any judges or magistrates with questionable behavior would be promptly investigated, and the JSC has a proven record of taking swift action against those found in breach of the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics or engaged in corrupt practices.

Encouraging Whistleblowers

She further encouraged individuals with information on any acts threatening the integrity of judicial processes to come forward and report such cases to the JSC.

CJ Koome noted that the JSC is committed to transparency, and any allegations of misconduct or corruption will be dealt with firmly and swiftly in accordance with the Constitution.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has declared a call to action with nationwide protests set to unfold next week.
This follows President William Ruto’s recent verbal assault on the Judiciary.
Expressing deep concern, the LSK highlighted the potential jeopardy to the Judiciary’s integrity posed by Ruto’s remarks.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has declared a call to action with nationwide protests set to unfold next week, spurred by President William Ruto’s recent verbal assault on the Judiciary.

President Ruto while speaking at the funeral of the father of Nyandarua Senator John Methu in Njabini on Tuesday, January 2, alleged a scheme by a few individuals who bribe judges to halt key development projects across the country through court orders.

This seismic clash has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with legal professionals and political figures alike condemning Ruto’s remarks as an affront to the very bedrock of Kenya’s democracy.

1. LSK’s Stand Against Ruto’s Attack on the Judiciary

The Law Society of Kenya, in a press briefing on Wednesday, minced no words as it criticized President Ruto for his scathing comments that linked the courts to cartels.

Expressing deep concern, the LSK highlighted the potential jeopardy to the Judiciary’s integrity posed by Ruto’s remarks.

The LSK President Eric Theuri said all advocates and legal practitioners will put on yellow ribbons during the demos to signify their support for the Judiciary and the rule of law.

Theuri who was flanked by his deputy Faith Odhiambo, urged President Ruto to recant his statements as he is setting a bad precedent for the rule of law in country.

This move by the legal fraternity underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to protect the sanctity of the judicial system.

2. Judges and Magistrates Association Joins the Fray

In a rare show of unity, the Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association also took a stand against Ruto’s verbal onslaught.

Accusing the President of flouting court orders, the association emphasized the constitutional duty to protect and uphold the independence of the Judiciary.

“Judges and judicial officers can not work freely with such threats, especially when made by no other than the President himself.

“By disobeying the Court Orders, the President is disobeying the very Constitution which he swore to protect and uphold by trampling upon the independence of the Judiciary,” reads the statement in part.

This condemnation adds weight to the growing opposition against what many perceive as an attack on a fundamental pillar of Kenya’s democracy.

3. Political Figures Speak Out

Leaders from various political quarters have also joined the chorus of disapproval.

KANU Secretary for Political Affairs, Fredrick Okango, urged the Law Society of Kenya to take decisive action against Ruto, emphasizing the threat posed to the independence of the Judiciary.

This sentiment was echoed by other lawyers and opposition figures, including Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who called for a united front against the perceived undermining of judicial autonomy.

4. Ruto’s Threat to Judicial Independence

The heart of the matter lies in Ruto’s alleged threat to the independence of the Judiciary.

Critics argue that by disobeying court orders, the President is not only undermining the Constitution he swore to protect but is also endangering the very fabric of Kenya’s democratic institutions.

The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the delicate balance between the executive and the judiciary.

As the nation braces itself for a week of protests, the clash between President William Ruto and the Judiciary unveils a complex narrative of power dynamics and the struggle to uphold democratic principles.

The Law Society of Kenya’s call to action signals a collective determination to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that could reshape the political landscape in Kenya.

The coming days will undoubtedly be a litmus test for the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions and the nation’s commitment to the rule of law.

Judiciary

CJ Martha Koome Hits Back at President Ruto Over Judiciary Remarks