Chief Justice Martha Koome has criticized recent remarks by President William Ruto, directly aimed at the Judiciary, the Head of State vowing to go against court orders that do not support his government projects.
In an internal memo dated 3 January, CJ Koome has termed President Ruto’s outbursts as ‘what is meant to intimidate judges to rule in a certain way.’
She has further urged Judicial staff to continue exercising their duties in accordance with the law without any fear or undue influence from any authority, adding that the Judicial Service Commission will protect them.
“My Office and the Judicial Service Commission have made it clear to the other arms of government and to the general public that the proper way to challenge a court decision, if one is dissatisfied, is to appeal or seek review in a higher court.
Attacking judges and Judicial Officer who made a decision in the public undermine all the values of our Constitutional order,” – Martha Koome.
She added that when State or public officers threaten to defy court orders, the rule of law is imperiled, setting stage for anarchy to prevail in a nation, noting that the President instead of calling out judicial officers in public gatherings and funerals, he should present claims of corrupt judges to JSC with evidence.
Earlier, the Law Society of Kenya called on its members to hold peaceful demos next week to stand with the independence of the Judiciary, in solidarity to protest President Ruto’s recent attacks.
