President William Ruto has today presided over the swearing-in of six judges who had been nominated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) but declined by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta three years ago, over what he cited as integrity flaws.
The event held at the State House was in attendance of Chief justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi and Chief Justice emeritus David Maraga.
“There are huge expectations from Kenyans. I have had an occasion to discuss some of the issues and priorities of the judiciary with Madam Chief Justice Martha Koome. It is important that we have an efficient, independent Judiciary,” Ruto alluded.
Korir Weldon Kipyegon, Muchelule Aggrey Otsyula, Odunga George Vincent, Cheruiyot Omange Judith Eliza and Joel Mwaura Ngugi are among the judges who previously sat on the High Court but have now been elevated to the Court of Appeal.
In what he believes as streamlining and improving efficiency at the Judiciary, President William Ruto has urged the four Court of Appeal Judges and two Environmental Court Judges sworn in today, to uphold the rule of law.
Ruto has urged the judiciary to cooperate with his administration to deal with corruption and dispense justice on time.
“My administration will respect the judiciary. I urge my administration to work together and ensure all arms of government are working in tandem,” he said.
The president has assured that his administration will scale up the budgetary allocation for the Judiciary by an additional Sh3 billion annually, to support the bottom-up scaling of justice by increasing the number of small claims courts, for the next five years.
He also assured room for consultation and engagement of efficient service delivery to Kenyans and all those seeking public and private services.
Ruto compared the scenario with that of the animal farm claiming that that should never be the case as we are all equal before the law.
“Everyone should live within bounds of mandate as it is the rule of law and not rule of man,” he insisted.
Ruto has stated that Kenyans have high expectations of the newly-birthed regime and will not sit and dine with enemies of progress.