449 300
Kenyans living abroad, united under the banner of Justice for Equity, have strongly criticized President William Ruto for his recent attacks on the judiciary.
Led by their chairman, Sebastian Onyango, the United Kingdom-based organization has issued a comprehensive press statement urging the president to uphold and respect the independence of the judiciary, emphasizing that the constitution grants him the authority to protect it.
Onyango, in the detailed statement, emphasized that regardless of the judiciary’s decisions, the Kenya Kwanza government, led by President Ruto, must honor and respect these decisions as the judiciary exercises its mandate under the 2010 constitution—a commitment the president vowed to uphold and protect.
The chairman advised President Ruto to explore alternative methods of addressing concerns or appealing decisions he deems unfavorable, stating,
“In any case should the President find himself aggrieved by the outcomes of judicial proceedings, there exists a clear and constitutional path forward to appeal rulings up to the Supreme Court as provided within the legal mechanisms and framework.”
Furthermore, the statement suggested that the president reconsider the counsel he receives and make better use of the Office of the Attorney General—a position of great importance and responsibility. The group stressed that the Attorney General’s role should reflect the highest legal standards available to the president.
This condemnation from the Justice for Equity group comes on the heels of Chief Justice Martha Koome’s accusations against President Ruto for undermining the judiciary, sparked by the president’s recent remarks. The situation underscores growing tensions between the executive and the judiciary in Kenya.
I