Azimio Leader Raila Odinga castigated Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome over her proposal to hold a meeting with the executive to iron out their differences.
Speaking in Vihiga on Tuesday January 16, Raila criticized the planned meeting between President William Ruto and CJ Koome stating that it will erode judicial independence.
“Please madam Martha Koome don’t compromise the independence of the judiciary by going to be the executive.
There is nothing to be discussed between you and the executive. Just give an order that judicial rulings must be respected by everybody including President Ruto,” said Raila.
However, Raila explained that if there has to be a meeting it should be comprehensive and involve all stakeholders in the country.
The opposition leader further said Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua should obey the judiciary and respect court orders.
“I want to give Mr Ruto free advice, please respect the judiciary because if you don’t, we will not respect whatever you say,” he stated.
Kalonzo’s Take
On the other hand, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka also warned Koome against seeking audience with President Ruto.
Kalonzo reiterated that there should no discussion between the two arms of government terming the meeting a trap.
“There is nothing to negotiate and I will be very disappointed if CJ Koome falls for that obvious trick.
We are witnessing a very absurd situation, and we must say enough is enough, please leave the judiciary alone,” said Kalonzo.
“I am waiting to see whether the CJ will receive Gachagua on Thursday, he said he will lead a protest because that will be the culmination of absurdity,” he added.
The two opposition leaders were responding after President Ruto welcomed the proposal by CJ Koome to have a meeting with the executive to address the recent tension between the two arms of government.
Also Read: Martha Koome Advised on How to Counter Ruto’s Attacks
Ruto to Koome
However, speaking earlier in Nandi County, Ruto said he was ready to engage all arms in a bid to reach a consensus on how to deal with judicial officers blocking government projects through court orders.
The President affirmed his stand on dealing with corruption in the judiciary and across the other arms of government.
“I welcome the conversation between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary and I am going to lead from the front,” Ruto said.
Furthermore, he revisited his earlier remarks stating that some leaders had colluded with judges to sabotage government projects including the affordable housing program.
Also Read: Ruto Responds to Martha Koome’s Dialogue Invitation
“We are going to have the conversation about the people who want the status quo in housing program, the people who want the citizens to continue paying rent in their estates,” he added.
According to Ruto, cases of corruption and incompetence in the government if tolerated would lead to delays and derailment at the expense of Kenyans who desperately need speedy delivery.
Koome Bows to Pressure
Ruto’s remarks came a day after CJ Koome agreed to hold a discussion with the executive to address the allegation that some judicial officers are corrupt.
In a statement Koome said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had sufficient mechanisms to take action on corrupt and incompetent judges.
She however warned that the continued remarks would intimidate judges in their mandate.
