In a recent development, the State House has issued a strong statement, accusing the Judiciary of obstructing the prosecution of corruption suspects. The statement, delivered by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, claimed that in December, the Judiciary prevented the charging of individuals implicated in corruption cases by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The tension escalated with a heated exchange between the office of President William Ruto and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). Hussein Mohammed expressed concern over the perceived frustration of the criminal justice system, raising questions about the relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary.
Highlighting President Ruto’s recent criticism of the Judiciary, the statement emphasized the need to address corruption across all branches of the government. “It is unacceptable that such suspects are now roaming free in our streets with impunity. No stretch of imagination can baptize this as judicial independence; it is, indeed, judicial impunity,” stated Hussein Mohammed on Wednesday, January 3.
While acknowledging the importance of judicial independence, the State House argued that corruption should not find refuge in any branch of the government. The spokesperson called for accountability and urged the exposure of corruption, regardless of its location within the Judiciary, the Executive, or the Legislature.
In a bid to reaffirm President Ruto’s commitment to the rule of law and constitutional principles, the State House cited the president’s respect for recent court orders related to the Affordable Housing Program. The statement also expressed concerns about executive impunity but asserted that impunity within the Judiciary and Legislature is equally reprehensible.
Addressing constitutional obligations and the state mandate, Mohammed emphasized the president’s commitment to affordable and decent housing, universal health coverage, food production, social security, and education. However, the spokesperson argued that these commitments should not be obstructed by corruption or judicial impunity.
In a call for reform, the State House urged comprehensive changes within the Judiciary to counteract the influence of vested interests and corrupt judicial officials. The statement underscored the need for a transparent and accountable system to uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law in the country.
