State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has responded to threats by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to hold protests against President William Ruto after his earlier statement against the judiciary.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 3, Hussein said LSK should not advise President Ruto on Constitutionalism, and specifically the independence of the Judiciary.
According to him, the President has consistently championed upholding the rule of law and constitutional principles, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the independence of the Judiciary.
“This commitment has been evident through his unwavering respect for and compliance with recent court orders, notably those pertaining to the Government’s Affordable Housing Program,” said Hussein.
“From the onset of his presidency, the President took deliberate measures to rectify past injustices by appointing judicial officers who, due to Executive impunity, had been unjustly denied their rightful appointments,” he added.
In addition, Hussein said Ruto believes in the independence of the Judiciary and purposefully increased the budget allocation to support the Judiciary’s operational needs.
Judicial Impunity Unacceptable
However, Hussein agreed with LSK that executive impunity is unacceptable.
On the other hand, the Spokesperson said legislative and judicial impunity are also unacceptable by their own measure.
Further, he stated that the President believes in the Constitution and recognizes the imperative to lead by example in defending its values.
Additionally, Hussein argued that the president is mandated to protect citizens from judicial misconduct perpetrated by corrupt officers colluding with vested interests.
“Corruption, whether within the Judiciary, the executive, or the Legislature and, indeed, among the general public must not find refuge behind the shield of judicial independence,” he added.
Also Read: Koome Responds to Ruto’s Attacks Against the Judiciary
Ruto Manifesto Supported by the Constitution
Also, he explained that Article 43 of the Constitution obligates the State, led by the President, to provide social and economic rights to Kenyans.
“In adherence to the rule of law, the President, in collaboration with relevant ministries, formulated various policies and legislation on affordable housing and universal healthcare, which were also approved by the Cabinet. Subsequently, Bills were transmitted to Parliament, subjected to public participation, and passed into law,” he said.
Time for Change
Furthermore, Hussein said the country has been held back by a few corrupt individuals and those with vested interests who slow down inclusive national development.
He opined that the country now has a chance to break free from the chains of impunity and realize the transformation mandated by the people and legislated by Parliament.
This he says can only be achieved by countering the influence of vested interests and corrupt judicial officials.
Also Read: Ruto Asks Govt Officials to Disobey Judges Slowing Housing and NHIF Reforms
“We are back to the clamor for judiciary reforms last witnessed during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure when it was said: “Why pay for a lawyer’s services when you can pay a judge? We must never allow the return of such impunity in Kenya,” he said.
Again, Hussein wondered whether the President should fulfill commitments to the people and their needs or seek concurrence from the Judiciary to deliver on what the people voted for.
Ruto’s utterances has attracted huge criticism from different individuals and organizations in the country.
Among the people who have responded include Chief Justice Martha Koome, Opposition Leader Raila Odinga and the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association
