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Politics

President Ruto’s “Mambo ni Matatu” Threat Against The Judiciary Sets The Internet Ablaze

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

President William Ruto has intensified his battle against corruption within the Judiciary, and his latest statement has raised eyebrows and ignited a fresh wave of discussions.

The head of state through his official social media accounts on Thursday, January 4, reiterated his stand against the Judiciary, warning that impunity of bribing judges so as to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under his watch.

In his statement, President Ruto noted that flamboyant lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi had previously warned him of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers.

The first in command further says that he assured the senior counsel that there are many good officers in the judiciary and that his administration will root out the corrupt.

In what looks like a threat against the judicial officers, President Ruto went ahead to quote his famous phrase of “Mambo ni Matatu..waende jela, wahame Kenya ama waende mbinguni”.

“Ahmednasir SC ,you warned me of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers. I told you there are many good officers in the judiciary and that we will root out the corrupt. We shall. Muite SC, the impunity of bribing judges so as not to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under my watch. Not a single cent will be used to bribe nobody. Mambo ya wafisadi wote ni yale nilisema…..,” President Ruto posed.

The president’s post has stirred mixed reactions, with a section of netizens faulting him for the stand.

Some have argued that the move is meant to silence the Judiciary, with others saying commenting that it might cost him the 2027 presidency.

“So corruption is only corruption when it doesn’t favour you? What have you done with the parliament zakayo,” one of the X users posed.

“Wish you used the same energy to hold to account Kimwarer dam culprits. 63B of taxpayers money went down the drain. According to you, Judges are well meaning when they vindicate your cronies. Double standards!” another X user reacted.

President Ruto sparked the conversation when he remarked that the judiciary was being bribed by a few individuals to sabotage his projects.

While making reference to the court order that stopped the housing levy, the head of state said his administration will start disobeying such orders that are aimed at derailing his work.

This attracted condemnation from different sects, among them the Law Society of Kenya, the Kenya judges and magistrates associations, Chief Justice Martha Koome and a section of politicians.

LSK on Wednesday threatened to stage national protests to force President Ruto to withdraw his remarks against the Judiciary, but the head of state seem snot to be letting go of the war any time soon. Or is he?

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Politics

Ruto, Judiciary War Escalates as State House Issues Another Statement

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Just hours after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) urged President William Ruto to take back his remarks on the Judiciary, vowing to take to the streets for peaceful protests next week, State House has issued a statement telling off the lawyers.

In statement issued by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto has told off LSK for criticising and attempting to advise the President on the independence of the Judiciary and Constitutionalism.

According to the statement, President Ruto’s push for judicial reforms is unstoppable.

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.

“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,” reads the statement in part.

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.

LSK had earlier on announced that it will organize peaceful protests across the country in defense of the rule of law and in solidarity with the Judiciary.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 3, LSK President Eric Theuri accused the President of undermining the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary, which he said was “a cornerstone of democracy.”

Moments later, Chief Justice Martha Koome called out perceived judicial intimidation by the Executive and urged judges and judicial officials to carry on with their work without fear of reproach or coercion. 

It all started when President Ruto, while speaking in Nyandarua on Tuesday, claimed that the the Judiciary harbours rogue elements out to sabotage his legacy.

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Politics

Miguna Miguna Reveals Worrying Details Amid Ruto, Judiciary War

by Daily Trends
written by Daily Trends

Lawyer Miguna Miguna has revealed worrying details amid a war between President William Ruto and the Judiciary.

President Ruto caused an uproar after making remarks against the Judiciary.

The head of state while speaking in Nyandarua on Tuesday, January 2, alleged that some rulings made by the Judiciary were slowing down the implementation of the Kenya Kwanza development agenda.

One of the rulings that provoked the President’s ire was the court order that halted the implementation of the 1.5 per cent housing levy on salaried Kenyans, declaring it unconstitutional.

President Ruto claimed that the court order was a setback to his administration’s efforts to provide affordable housing to Kenyans, which is one of the pillars of the Kenya Kwanza development agenda, and hinted at disobeying subsequent orders.

This irked a section of Kenyans, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announcing that it will organize peaceful protests across the country in defense of the rule of law and in solidarity with the Judiciary.

LSK has also urged its members to wear purple ribbons throughout the next week as a symbol of protest against the President’s threats to defy court orders, which it termed as a “constitutional coup” and a “return of an autocratic regime.”

However, the State House in a quick rejoinder affirmed that President Ruto’s push for judicial reforms is unstoppable, telling off the LSK for criticising and attempting to advise the Head of State on the independence of the Judiciary and Constitutionalism.

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.

The State House response prompted Miguna Miguna to take to his official social media accounts to reveal details that should worry Kenyans.

According to Miguna Miguna, this is just but the beginning of dictatorship in the country.

Miguna says dictatorship starts when the country is hungry, exhausted and desperate.

He goes ahead to note that the dictatorship starts by killing organized institutions and spaces that would protect the people against excesses by those in power.

“This is how dictatorship starts. It creeps in when the country is hungry, exhausted and desperate. It starts by killing organized institutions and spaces that would protect the people against excesses by those in power.

“We cannot allow anyone to turn the judiciary into a scared, threatened and bludgeoned institution because that cannot be in the interest of the people. We need a strong, INDEPENDENT, competent and ETHICAL judiciary. We cannot build one through executive threats, intimidation, coercion, or bribery!” Miguna posted.

In a separate statement, the JSC had also expressed concern over the public criticism and vilification of judges and judicial officers for issuing court orders that are perceived to be against state programmes and policies.

 JSC reaffirmed the independence and integrity of the judiciary as “a co-equal arm of government”, as enshrined in the constitution, and urged all judges and judicial officers to continue performing their judicial duties “without fear or favour”.

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Politics

Mambo Imechemka! Countrywide Protests Against Ruto Set For Next Week

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma
  • 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.

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Crime & Investigations

New Trouble For British Soldier Who Murdered A Woman In Nanyuki As LSK Demands This

by Yahil Felix
written by Yahil Felix

Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has called on the British government to surrender the British soldier suspected of killing a woman in Nanyuki for probe and prosecution.

Havi’s response comes a few days after The Sunday Times ran an investigative piece alleging the soldier’s involvement in the killing of Agnes Wanjiru and subsequent cover-up.

During an interview with Spice FM radio, Havi said it’s time the British High Commissioner to do something more than talking.

“There could be a motive to conceal the crime. That explains why this particular case has taken time to unfold. They must surrender the suspect as soon as possible for investigations to be concluded and the suspect prosecuted for this heinous murder.

When the story was released, the British High Commissioner Jane Marriott said the British government is cooperating with Kenya’s investigation authorities.

She noted that the British soldiers’ conduct in Kenya is important to the High Commission.

Nelson Havi added that crimes by the soldiers in question are prevalent and questioned what they’re doing in Kenya.

He said their transgressions had prevailed and recently, they lighted a fire that killed an elephant and no action was taken.

The bosy of the 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru was found decomposing by a hotel worker while running his daily routine in March 31st, 2012.

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Politics

Havi: CJ Martha Koome Had A Hand In Uhuru’s Appointment Of 34 Instead Of 40 Judges

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Chief Justice Martha Koome had something to do with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appointment of 33 instead of 40 judges that were recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has claimed.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Havi questioned CJ Koome’s presence at State House during the swearing in of the appointment judges.

President Kenyatta on Friday swore in the 34 judges at State House Nairobi despite protestations from lawyers and politicians over his move to reject six judges from the list recommended by Judicial Service Commission.

The ceremony was witnessed by CJ Koome and Chief Registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi and a host of judges.

“If CJ Martha Koome had nothing to do with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appointment of 33 instead of 40 Judges what was she doing at State House? How did the Judges end up there in robes? Did she tell the President what she has jotted down in that underwhelming unsigned note?” Havi posed.

Those who took the oath of office were seven judges heading to the Court of Appeal, 10 to the Environment and Land Court and 18 others to the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

JSC had recommended the appointment of 41 judges in August 2019 but one died in a road accident last year.

President Kenyatta, however, appointed 34 on Thursday leaving out justices Joel Ngugi, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Aggrey Muchelule, all currently serving as High Court judges.

He also rejected Evans Makori and Judith Omange Cheruiyot, who had been recommended for the Labour Court.

The Court of Appeal is required to have 30 judges but currently has 13 judges, following the retirement of some judges and promotion of others including justices Koome and William Ouko, who were elevated to the Supreme Court. 

Distancing herself from the recruitment process, which happened close to two years ago – before she was the CJ, Koome urged Uhuru to appoint the remaining six judges.

In a statement on Friday, she said, “The 34 Judges have today taken their oath of office witnessed by H.E the President. I note with great concern that 6 persons who wererecommended by the JSC for appointment were not gazetted.”

Koome gave the example of what happened in January 2014, when the JSC recommended the appointment of 25 nominees as judges, and in June 2014, the President initially appointed 11 of them and subsequently appointed the remaining 14.

On Friday, the LSK lawyers’ lobby demanded that the president should appoint the six remaining judges omitted from his gazetted list of appointments, or it will go to court.

LSK said in a statement by its Chief executive Mercy Wambua that the action of the president was unlawful and reeks of impunity.

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Latest NewsPolitics

Uhuru Taken to Court

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A case against President Uhuru Kenyatta has been filed in court.

The case follows an executive order that was recently issued by President Kenyatta.

The Law Society of Kenya has filed a case challenging the legality of the Executive order that allegedly sought to place the Judiciary, commissions as well as independent offices under ministries and government departments.

In the court documents, the Attorney General and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua are listed as respondents and the Judicial Service Commission as an interested party.

Through lawyers Manwa Hosea and Arnold Ochieng, the LSK terms the move as unconstitutional since the executive arm of government cannot restructure or assign functions to other arms and independent commissions.

The LSK claims the disputed Executive order No. 1 of 2020 offends the principles of the constitution, doctrine of separation of powers, democracy and independence of constitutional offices.

The lawyers’ lobby has termed the case a public interest matter and wants the High Court to urgently intervene by suspending the implementation of the Executive order.

The institutions affected by the disputed directive include the Judiciary, the Public Service Commission, the Teachers Service Commission, the National Police Service Commission, the Parliamentary Service Commission, the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions, the National Land Commission and the Office of the Controller of Budget.

Others are the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Commission on Revenue Allocation, the Salaries and  Remuneration Commission, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights as well as the National Gender and Equality Commission.

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