Chief Justice Martha Koome has broken her silence after President William Ruto’s sustained attacks against the Judiciary in recent weeks.

Speaking on Friday, January 12 during the handing over by the outgoing Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi, CJ Koome reiterated on the importance of an independent judiciary in a society.

The head of the Judiciary said that if anyone had a problem with specific rulings made by judges in a matter, he or she ought to present his or her complaints before the Judicial service Commission (JSC).

CJ Koome faulted President Ruto for making what she described as “blanket condemnation or unsubstantiated allegations” against an entire institution (Judiciary).

“Let me use this occasion to reiterate the stance by the Judicial Service Commission, that the Commission is ready to process any complaint against any Judge or Judicial Officer who is implicated in corruption or any other acts of misconduct,” CJ Koome noted.

She, however, reiterated that such complaints must be lodged and processed in the manner described by the Constitution, as doing otherwise will mean “an overthrow of the Constitution and the rule of law. That the Commission will not do!”

‘Remain true to the Constitution’

Koome further urged judges, judicial officers and judiciary staff to remain unperturbed and discharge their duties in accordance with their oaths of office.

“Let us remain true to the constitutional instruction that the discharge of judicial duties shall be subject only to the Constitution and the law, and not the direction or control of any person or authority.”

She also urged Kenyans to remain vigilant to safeguard the hard-won gains of the Constitution, including that of Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law.

“These are sacrosanct promises of our Constitution. They are gains for which Kenyans died, lost property and limbs to have. Therefore, they must remain our True North, Always!”

President Ruto’s allegations

President Ruto claims that some “corrupt” judges have colluded with his political rivals to frustrate government projects, among the the affordable housing initiative and healthcare.

“We respect the independence of the judiciary but that does not constitute sabotaging public interest. There are rights that are enshrined in Article 43 of the Constitution -social and economic rights – and I will not part with even a shilling for bribes in court,” Ruto said this week in Uasin Gishu Cunty where he launched affordable housing projects in Kapsuswa and Pioneer areas.