Kalonzo condemns Ruto over sustained attacks on Judiciary
By Mary Ouko, January 4, 2024
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has joined other leaders in condemning President William Ruto’s sustained attacks on the Judiciary.
In a statement, Kalonzo called out the president noting that it was evident that his administration does not uphold the rule of law despite claiming to.
He also urged the Judiciary not to be intimidated by anyone and to remain firm and resolute in protecting the rights of Kenyans.
“It is now evident that those who pretend to uphold the rule of law are now clearly exposing their true colours. They have paid lip service to the cardinal principles of the rule of law enshrined in The Constitution of Kenya 2010,” the statement read in parts.
“In the face of this onslaught on the profession and practice of law in this country, we call upon the Judiciary to remain firm and resolute in order to protect citizens’ rights.”
“In the face of this onslaught on the profession and practice of law in this country, we call upon the Judiciary to remain firm and resolute in order to protect citizens’ rights.” pic.twitter.com/SpxMjy06Wx
— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) January 3, 2024
The Wiper party leader also took a swipe at corrupt judicial officers insisting that they should be investigated in accordance with the Judicial Service Act of 2011.
He also concurred with the Law Society of Kenya’s (LSK’s) move to hold peaceful protests in support of the rule of law and solidarity with the Judiciary.
“When there are allegations of corruption by some judicial officers, there is a clear framework in place to investigate them, notably the Judicial Service Act of 2011. Six days ago, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court of Kenya dismissed an appeal by former High Court Judge Said Juma Chitembwe and upheld the gross misconduct and breach of the Code of conduct for judges finding by the tribunal which had been appointed to investigate the former Judge’s conduct.
“We agree with the call by the LSK “for nationwide peaceful protest throughout the coming week in support of the rule of law and in solidarity with the Judiciary,” Kalonzo added.
Kalonzo’s remarks follow after the president maintained his sustained attacks on the Martha Koome-led Judiciary.
In his recent speech which follows days after a maintained attack, the president claimed that corrupt judicial officers were collaborating with corrupt individuals to stall his developmental projects.
While stressing that he will end judicial impunity, the president further encouraged the Executive to defy orders that ‘stall’ his development agenda.
“Our Judiciary, we respect you but judicial impunity by corrupt judicial officers must stop in Kenya. We will stop it and whatever it takes,” he stated.
“Ati sasa hii barabara mahakama imesema tusijenge..tungoje Judiciary mpaka ituambie tujenge..baas bwana PS Mbugua weka pesa kwa hii barabara tuanze kazi,” he added.