The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, has said that the opposition is using LSK to fight President William Ruto’s government.
Speaking during the burial of Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki’s father-in-law in Tharaka Nithi County on Friday, January 12, 2024, Malala accused the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) of collaborating with the opposition to undermine the Kenya Kwanza administration.
READ ALSO: High Court Advocate Calls for Reflection and Apology from President Ruto Over Remarks on Judiciary
Malala also alleged political bias and collusion with the opposition within the LSK, pointing to the presence of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at the society’s recent protest.
“The @LawSocietyofKe should exercise political fairness and refrain from colluding with the opposition to undermine the government,” Malala stated.
This comes after President Ruto claimed that the opposition was obstructing his plans during his New Year’s address to the nation.
READ ALSO: Ruto must go: LSK members stage demos outside President’s office
Malala’s statement suggests that lawmakers supporting the Kenya Kwanza movement are capitalizing on a manufactured crisis instead of fostering accountability within the administration.
Initially, LSK had criticized the president for undermining the judiciary, considering his remarks as a form of incitement against the judicial system, posing a threat to constitutional order.
READ ALSO: CJ Koome answers President Ruto: “JSC will not act on blanket statements, allegations”
East African Judges and Magistrates (EAMJA) also expressed concern over Ruto’s attack on the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of preserving judicial independence.
“Any concerns or disputes must be handled through established legal channels, respecting the principles of due process and the separation of powers,” EAMJA said in their protest statement.
LSK protests
On Friday, LSK organized a protest against Ruto’s persistent criticism of the judiciary, marching from the Supreme Court Grounds to the Office of the President, chanting ‘Ruto must go.’
In a notice posted on social media, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had invited the public, urging them to join the legal community in condemning President Ruto’s statements.They emphasized that these remarks constitute an assault on the autonomy of the judiciary.
“Join @LawSocietyofKe in a peaceful demonstration this Friday to reaffirm our dedication to safeguarding the independence of the Judiciary and upholding compliance with Court orders,” LSK stated.
Among the individuals who participated in the peaceful demonstration was Wiper Kalonzo Musyoka, who arrived outside the Supreme Court dressed in full lawyer regalia.