Tensions simmered in Kenya’s capital Friday as hundreds of lawyers took to the streets in a peaceful protest against what they called President William Ruto’s “judicial interference.” The demonstration comes amidst escalating tension between the President and the judiciary, sparked by Ruto’s recent pronouncements questioning the integrity of judges and threatening to bypass court orders.
At the heart of the controversy lie several major government projects, including a housing fund and a universal healthcare initiative, both stalled by court rulings declaring them unconstitutional. Ruto has accused the judges involved of corruption and bias, alleging they collude with his political rivals to obstruct his development agenda. However, his claims remain unsubstantiated by any concrete evidence.
Lawyer Peter Wanyama, one of the protest organizers, addressed the President directly: “As lawyers, we will stand firm. We tell you, Mr. President, you are not above the law. You must respect it.” The march, punctuated by blowing whistles and waving placards, culminated at the Presidential Office, underscoring the lawyers’ resolve to defend the judiciary’s independence.
Further fueling the discontent is the growing unpopularity of the development projects in question. Kenyans grapple with increased taxes levied to fund these initiatives, coinciding with a soaring cost of living. The recent fuel tax hike, deemed necessary by Ruto to avoid national debt default, has particularly struck a nerve.
Beyond the immediate projects, the lawyers raised concerns about a broader attack on the judicial system. “We want to tell Parliament: you cannot pass unconstitutional laws burdening Kenyans and then expect the judiciary to validate them,” Wanyama declared. He referred to a High Court ruling deeming the housing fund unconstitutional, stopping its mandatory 1.5% wage deductions. Similarly, the Social Health Insurance Act, facing a court challenge over its employee tax levies, stands on shaky ground.
Ramadhan Abubakar, vice president of the East Africa Law Society, warned that Ruto’s repeated attacks on judges not only damage their credibility but also erode public trust in the entire judicial system. He pointed out Ruto’s recent claim about the previous administration budgeting for judicial bribes, contrasting it with his stated commitment to judicial integrity.
The Law Society of Kenya has demanded that Ruto retract his unsubstantiated allegations and utilize proper channels for any judicial misconduct concerns. They emphasized the judiciary’s crucial role in maintaining peace and stability, especially in the delicate post-election environment.
Kenya’s judiciary has made significant strides in regaining public trust since the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, which bolstered its independence. The courts have successfully mediated disputes in three consecutive general elections, preventing the kind of electoral violence that marred the 2007 polls.
It remains to be seen whether Ruto’s current stance towards the judiciary will undermine these hard-won gains. While he promised judicial independence during his campaign, his recent actions risk creating the very political interference he once pledged to oppose. The protest by Kenyan lawyers serves as a stark reminder of the importance of a robust and independent judiciary for sustaining Kenya’s fragile democracy.
