Members of Kenya’s opposition Azimio coalition have strongly condemned President William Ruto’s recent allegations that the judiciary is being used to obstruct the government’s agenda by his political rivals.

The criticism emerged after Ruto, addressing a gathering in Nyandarua County on January 2, vowed to combat corruption within the judiciary. He accused certain corrupt judicial officials of collaborating with beneficiaries of graft to hinder crucial development projects for Kenyan citizens, pledging to address this issue decisively.

While acknowledging the judiciary’s significance as a cornerstone of democracy, President Ruto called for a national dialogue to address alleged instances of judicial misconduct, particularly in settling political scores.

In response, Chief Justice Martha Koome urged judges and judicial officers to uphold principles of independence and the rule of law, emphasizing these values in light of Ruto’s caution regarding the potential curtailment of judicial activism under his administration.

The remarks by President Ruto have sparked concerns among opposition members about the autonomy of the judiciary and the broader implications of such assertions on the country’s adherence to the rule of law.

The unfolding discourse between the government and the judiciary underscores the delicate equilibrium between executive authority and judicial independence within Kenya’s democratic landscape, prompting debate and scrutiny over the intersection of politics and the justice system.