Lawyer Miguna Miguna and former Member of Parliament Kabando wa Kabando have come out to question President William Ruto’s attacks on the Judiciary.
Miguna in a statement on January 10 labelled the attacks by the government as a fictious plan to orchestrate a constitutional dismemberment.
“The way the “Down with Judiciary” drum is being beaten, we know that there is a hidden hand to orchestrate a constitutional dismemberment,” said Miguna.
Furthermore, the outspoken lawyer described the attacks as a way to threaten judges, questioning the end game.
“Is that why judges must be threatened and scared to make way for the imposition of the so-called NADCO?” he posed.
Miguna Compares Attacks on Judiciary to the Moi Era
Through his social media account, the controversial lawyer further compared the judiciary attacks to those witnessed during former President Daniel Moi’s reign.
“When I was in junior secondary school, we woke up one day and found the entire country matching with placards, singing: “Moi Juu, Juu Kabisa! No to Traitor!” said Miguna.
According to Miguna the attack against a fictious traitor by President Moi was a ploy to deal with his perceived enemies, particularly the late Charles Njonjo.
Miguna went on to add, “Since then, I have always been suspicious when a chorus starts at State House and spreads like bush fire.”
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On the other hand, former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has also come out to question the attacks against the judiciary.
Kabando described the government’s attacks on Judiciary as a threat to the country.
Additionally, the MP noted that these attacks could serve as a sign of Kenya Kwanza’s rickety leaking capsizing boat.
The former MP went on to add, “A president gone berserk and so paranoid is a threat to national security and sovereignty!”
Ruto Judiciary Attacks
President William Ruto on Tuesday, January 2, accused some judges and courts of colluding with rogue officials to slow down government projects.
The President complained of a trend where judges repeatedly issued court orders blocking government policies and projects.
“I want to make it clear that the interests of beneficiaries of the corruption in the former NHIF ganging up with corrupt officials to stall the program that is going to make it possible for the ordinary citizens to access healthcare so that a few corrupt characters can continue to steal from NHIF will stop,” he stated.
Further, Ruto emphasized the government would continue to respect the judiciary’s independence as provided for in the Constitution.
However, Ruto vowed to prevent “corrupt people” from abusing the institution’s independence and thereby delaying plans.
Judiciary Responds
Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome went on to respond to the statement by President Ruto vowing to disobey court orders issued against the implementation of some government projects.
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“JSC has therefore noted with concern that honorable Judges and Judicial Officers have been subjected to public criticism and vilification for issuing court orders that are perceived to be against State programmes and policies,” noted Koome.
Additionally, Koome affirmed that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 reserved the independence of the Judiciary due to Kenya’s history of tyranny and dictatorship.
The CJ further stated that the Judiciary has undergone careful and consistent reforms and rebuilt trust with the people of Kenya by standing guard in defense of the Constitution.
“This provision signified freedom from control, oppression, and exploitation of the people using institutions established to protect their rights and freedoms,” added Koome.