Judicial Service Commission Vice Chair and Former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto has called for a return to community-based ways of resolving conflicts, warning that overreliance on courts is slowing justice and straining relationships within society. He pointed to the need for simpler and more peaceful approaches that bring people together instead of dividing them.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, April 5, 2026, Rutto pointed out how traditional systems once helped communities handle disputes in a respectful and effective way without escalating tensions.

He stated that African communities were built on strong social systems that promoted calm and respectful conflict resolution, while modern court processes can sometimes be slow, expensive and create unnecessary hostility between parties involved.

“Our communities were traditionally built with strong social structures that encouraged peaceful and respectful ways of resolving disputes. While court processes remain important, they can often be lengthy, costly and adversarial,” the statement reads.

He further explained that alternative methods such as mediation, negotiation and open community dialogue can help resolve disagreements more quickly, while also ensuring that all parties feel heard and included in the process.

“Alternative Dispute Resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation and community dialogue provide faster, inclusive and peaceful solutions,” the statement reads.

Rutto also stressed that many conflicts do not need to escalate to formal legal battles, encouraging people to embrace simple conversations as a way of addressing disagreements before they grow into bigger disputes.

“We should know that not every disagreement needs a courtroom; sometimes all it takes is a conversation,” the statement reads.

He stated that Kenyan courts face heavy case backlogs, with many disputes taking years to conclude, adding that the use of alternative dispute resolution can ease pressure on the justice system while promoting harmony within communities.