Ruto: I am ready to meet CJ Koome
President William Ruto has responded to Chief Justice Martha Koome’s call for a meeting to address the growing differences between the executive and the judiciary.
The head of state expressed his readiness to meet with the Judiciary’s President and discuss the way forward.
Dr Ruto made these remarks, welcoming the warm invitation from CJ Koome, on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, during his tour to Nandi County, where he launched various development projects.
“I agree with the CJ; she said yesterday (January 15, 2024) that she wants a dialogue, and I have agreed to have a talk,” the President confidently stated.
According to Ruto, his government is committed to fighting corruption, which he termed as a monster derailing Kenya’s growth.
He insisted that this battle must be waged across all arms of government, including the Executive (Presidency’s Office), the Judiciary (courts), and both Parliaments (Legislature).
“I am ready for the conversation on how we are going to deal with vested interests, with incompetence, and especially corruption, whether it is in the Judiciary, Legislature, or the Executive because it is delaying, derailing, and sabotaging the progress and potential of Kenya,” explained the President.
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He added, “I, therefore, welcome the conversation, and I will lead from the front so that we deal with the monster that is destroying our country”.
President Ruto lamented that individuals accused of corruption and misuse of public resources, once under investigation and aware they will be charged, seek refuge in courts to obtain injunctions, evading charges and prosecution for their committed crimes.
Recently at odds with the Judiciary, President Ruto accused it of being used by individuals with personal interests to obstruct his government’s development initiatives, such as the affordable housing initiative and Universal Health Care (UHC) for all Kenyans, which have faced legal challenges.
Asserting his commitment to combating corruption, President Ruto told Nandi residents, “We need a debate on corruption matters. We must fight against corruption in all ways. We won’t allow corruption to deter Kenya’s development. This country has lagged behind for so many days because of corruption, criminals, and fraudsters who do not want us to change the nation”.
On Monday, January 15, 2024, CJ Martha Koome extended a request for an audience with the head of state regarding his recent comments on corrupt judges.
As he expressed his willingness for the discussion, Ruto outlined that the dialogue on corruption would involve representatives from the Executive, with his personal involvement, the Judiciary represented by CJ Koome, and the Legislature with speakers from both the National and Senate Assemblies.