Statehouse spokes person Husseiin Mohammed has come out to defend President William Ruto against criticism from the Law Society of Kenya(LSK).
LSK had earlier criticized the president after he vowed to disrespect court rulings that are aimed at derailing his development agenda.
“Public incitement against the judiciary is not only detrimental to our constitutional fabric but also compromises the sanctity of our legal system,” LSK president Eric Theuri said, as he urged members to hold a countrywide demonstration for Ruto to withdraw his remarks.
In response to Theuri’s statement, Hussein said that LSK should not advise president Ruto on matters constitutionalism and independence of the judiciary because that is what he has been doing.
“The president has consistently championing upholding of the rule of law and constitutional principles with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the independence of the judiciary,” he said in a statement, citing several instances where the head of state had complied with the rule of law and safeguarded the Judiciary’s independence.
According to Hussein, such instances include the court ruling on affordable housing program, appointing of Judges that the previous administration had declined as well as increasing budget allocation to the judiciary.
He added that it’s the president’s duty to protect Kenyan citizens against impunity of all forms.
“We, however, agree with the Law Society of Kenya that Executive impunity is unacceptable. However, legislative impunity, by its own measure, is also unacceptable and so is judicial impunity.”
“As a believer in the Constitution, President Ruto recognises the imperative to lead by example in defending our constitutional values. This includes shielding innocent citizens from judicial misconduct perpetrated by corrupt officers colluding with vested interests,” the spokesperson explained.
Hussein added that, “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. It is our duty to expose and hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices whoever they maybe and wherever they are.”
“We are back to the clamour for judiciary reforms last witnessed during President Mwaki 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 further said
“The Executive is mandated to deliver to the people after an election. Should the President fulfil commitments to the people and their needs, or should the Executive seek concurrence from the Judiciary to deliver on what the people voted for?” he posed
