Ruto: I will put an end to the madness within the Judiciary
President William Ruto appears to escalate his criticism of the Judiciary following the court’s interference with his Affordable Housing Program.
He now asserts that he has no budget to influence judges.
According to the head of state, the finances he has are allocated for developmental projects to foster Kenya’s growth.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 9, 2023, in Kapseret, Eldoret during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of affordable housing, Dr Ruto stated unequivocally that he cannot compromise the Judiciary to facilitate the progress of his government.
Also read: Affordable housing programme unstoppable, vows Ruto
In what seems to be a critique of his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, he mentioned that he cannot emulate him, claiming that the retired president had a budget for compromising judges when his projects were contested in court.
“There are some people suggesting that since the previous government (Jubilee) had a budget for compromising the courts, I should follow suit. They say I should have that budget… That I should have lawyers to influence the courts. I don’t have money to influence the courts. The funds I have are for development,” President Ruto told Eldoret residents while laying the foundation stone for the Pioneer housing project construction in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu.
During the Jubilee government, Ruto served as the deputy president.
And instead, the head of state asserted that he will transform the Judiciary to deliver services without being compromised, emphasizing, “The Judiciary is a state institution that should serve Kenyans without being compromised.”
“I will put an end to the madness within the Judiciary,” Dr Ruto vowed.
The President has been critical of the Judiciary, particularly after the High Court in November 2023 declared the Affordable Housing Levy Act unconstitutional, citing a violation of the Constitution.
Also read: Prenup court drama between Kenyan woman and Austrian spouse heats up
The court deemed the 1.5 percent deduction from an employee’s salary and an equal contribution from the employer for the housing project as illegal.
However, the Appellate Court granted relief to Ruto, allowing the deductions to continue, with the final decision expected on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
President Ruto insists that the program would not be halted by anyone, asserting that those who filed the case against the project are corrupt individuals who do not want to see Kenya progress.
While in Eldoret, he reiterated his previous controversial remarks towards corrupt people; corrupt individuals should either choose to stop stealing and misusing public resources, go to jail, or he will send them to heaven.
His opponents have since condemned the statements, terming them as ‘unfortunate threats coming from the head of state.’