Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has revealed that the judiciary has formally reached out to President William Ruto to address the concerns he raised against certain judges.
President Ruto had recently launched a campaign against the judiciary, accusing unnamed “corrupt” judges of collaborating with the opposition to obstruct his government’s projects.
During a media conference on Monday, Chief Justice Koome expressed concern that these attacks on the judiciary were pushing the country towards chaos and anarchy.
She stated, “If this course is allowed to continue unabated, we are on the precipice of a constitutional crisis that can lead to untold civil strife.”
Koome also mentioned that the judiciary is seeking dialogue with the president, stating, “So we will be looking out for that dialogue, we have written and I believe that the president is going to give us an appointment.”
Opposition leader Raila Odinga accused President Ruto of attempting to intimidate judges, while a group of lawyers staged protests last week condemning the president’s attacks.
President Ruto, who assumed office in September 2022, has faced criticism for introducing new taxes amid a rising cost of living.
Two contentious taxes, the housing levy and the proposed universal health cover deductions, are currently under legal challenge, with pending rulings.
Source-BBC
