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The Judiciary will not interfere in political disputes but will instead support political solutions to settle them, Chief Justice Martha Koome has said.

Speaking at an event marking 12 years since the creation of the Supreme Court, which President Ruto attended, Koome appeared to respond to recent claims that the Judiciary was compromised in relation to the impeachment case against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The CJ called for alternative dispute resolution systems to settle disagreements between political opponents.

Gachagua had demanded that a three-judge bench made up of justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima and Freda Mugambi recuse themselves on claims that they were siding with the executive.

Legal solutions

Koome told the forum that the Supreme Court is dedicated to providing legal solutions to the nation’s political problems, even if it has the authority to hear cases involving governance, the use of political power, and petitions in presidential elections.

She said: “I want to take this opportunity to assure Kenyans that in the discharge of our mandates we do not get drawn into making political decisions, we look for legal solutions for political disputes.

“The judges are politically neutral and are concerned with only determining the legal and evidential issues before the court.”

She also assured the public that the Judiciary is committed to upholding the Constitution and delivering justice.

“We are conscious that the road ahead requires our renewed vigour and unity of purpose. I assure Kenyans that the Supreme Court of Kenya will stand rock solid as a constant guardian of the Constitution and the rule of law in changing times,” Koome said.