Kenyan lawyers stage protest against President Ruto’s threats to defy court orders
Numerous lawyers in Nairobi, Kenya, are staging a protest organized by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in response to President William Ruto’s threats to disregard court orders.
The lawyers are marching from the Supreme Court to the president’s office.
President Ruto faced criticism after accusing unnamed judges of colluding with opposition politicians and “cartels” to impede his administration’s projects.
LSK President Eric Theuri emphasized that the president is not above the law, and obedience to court orders is a constitutional obligation, stating, “We do not expect him to speak as if obeying court orders is a favor that he is doing to the country.”
The LSK is contemplating initiating President Ruto’s impeachment for “violation of the constitution” if he persists with attacks against the judiciary.
A legal team has been assembled to file a High Court petition declaring the president in violation of the constitution.
Prominent Kenyan lawyers, including former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and former minister Eugene Wamalwa, both presently opposition politicians, have joined the protest.
Chief Justice Martha Koome and opposition leader Raila Odinga warned President Ruto that defying court orders could lead to anarchy in the country.
Source-BBC