President Ruto: No courts of law will stand in my way
President William Ruto has declared that his government is determined to put an end to the corruption and misconduct within the judiciary.
In a stern address focused on the Judiciary, the President asserted that individuals benefiting from corruption have collaborated with dishonest judicial officials, obstructing the progress and development of the Kenyan people.
President Ruto, who has faced setbacks in two key initiatives, Universal Health Care and affordable housing, due to court interventions, emphasized that his administration will take decisive measures to prevent such interference from persisting.
For the second time in three days, the Head of State addressed an ongoing court case, with his remarks in Nyandarua on Tuesday displaying a more focused stance.
Following a previous outspoken critique against perceived adversaries just hours before the New Year on Sunday, President Ruto continued his stance, asserting that his administration will not tolerate individuals benefiting from corruption hindering projects intended for the welfare of the nation’s citizens.
“Our Judiciary, we respect you but judicial impunity by corrupt judicial officers must stop in Kenya…we’ll stop it and whatever it takes,” he said.
Despite openly acknowledging his respect for the Judiciary, President Ruto did not refrain from addressing matters currently under the court’s consideration and where his government has faced recent setbacks.
“Ati watu wachache, wawili watatu wameenda kortini, wakahongana kortini mipango hiyo ikasimamishwa…barabara ikasimamishwa, Universal Health Coverage ikasimamishwa, mambo ya housing inasimamishwa…lazima tuulizane, lazima tuwe na mjadala,” he went on.
President Ruto asserted that up to 50% of NHIF funds were embezzled by corrupt individuals aiming to obstruct healthcare reforms through legal channels, ensuring their own continued benefits.
“Ati watu wachache wameenda kortini na majamaa watatu wenye wamezoea kufuja pesa ya NHIF… sasa 50 per cent ya pesa ya NHIF wao ndio wamekuwa wakiiba…we have had fake hospitals…fake doctors,” he stated.
“Eti sasa wameshikana wakatafuta wale corrupt judicial officers ili waendelee kuiba nusu ya pesa ya NHIF…hiyo my friends haiwezi kuendelea.”
President Ruto went on to criticize the Judiciary led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, accusing it of operating with impunity. He directed the Executive to resist orders that he believes undermine the country’s development agenda.
“Judicial impunity must stop in kenya…we will stop it..ati sasa hii barabara mahakama imesema tusijenge…tungoje Judiciary mpaka ituambie tujenge….baas bwana PS Mbugua weka pesa kwa hii barabara tuanze kazi,” he said.
In what appears to be a synchronized assault on the Judiciary, allies of President Ruto in the Legislature also echoed his sentiments and offered their support.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah said: “We know all those people who are being used to rush to courts every day to sabotage government…we will name and shame you.”
His Kiharu counterpart Ndndi Nyoro chimed in: “Mr President, we know them…they are sympathisers of the opposition…their work is to go and stop any government projects while on the other hand threaten the government with maandamano.”
President Ruto rebuffed the opposition in response to its threats of organizing another series of mass protests over tax laws.
“Tuwache vitisho ya maandamano..give us your alternative views if you have…hii ni upinzani imeishiwa…mpango tu wako nayo ni ya vita na maandamano,” he said.
The President reassured the local residents that despite the imposition of stringent taxes, the country’s economy was on a positive trajectory.
In Other News: Ruto Responds to Raila Over Return of Maandamano Threats
President Ruto: No courts of law will stand in my way
