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A group of activists referring to themselves as “friends of Uganda” have filed a petition to the government of Denmark appealing for a suspension of funding to the Ugandan government over its human rights record.

In the February 14th 2024 letter to the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Mr Dan Jorgensen, the activists are calling for an urgent suspension of funding to the Ugandan government and halting support for the environmentally contentious East African Crude Oil Project(EACOP).

“We write to express our deep concern regarding your past and the recent financial support extended to Mr Museveni’s regime by the Danish government, as reported in the meeting on January 24, 2024,” reads the petition in part.

“The substantial funds allocated, ostensibly for climate change and refugees, have raised alarm given the ongoing human rights violations, displacement, and environmental degradation associated with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project in Uganda.” Adds the petitioners.

The petitioners allege that the EACOP initiative has been marred by egregious acts such as land grabbing, illegal displacements, and environmental harm since its inception in 2017. They also note that there have been disturbing trends of gross human rights violations, especially concerning the construction of the pipeline which has adversely impacted local communities, wildlife, and the overall climate. 

They also accuse the Kampala regime of misappropriating most of the financial support provided to the country, resulting in the purchase of arms, tear gas, and other tools of oppression, rather than addressing the urgent needs of the people of Uganda.

The situation, they claim, has led to the displacement of countless individuals, who now reside in makeshift camps under deplorable conditions without compensation for their losses.

Also protested is the recent request by Mr. Museveni for the Danish government’s support in the  ‘wetland reclamation program which they say “is deeply troubling.”

“ We must question the legitimacy of such initiatives and ensure that funds are directed towards transparent and accountable projects that genuinely benefit the Ugandan population,” 

“Numerous reports and documented cases highlight the severe human rights abuses, arrests, and illegal detentions of individuals advocating for their rights and protesting against the EACOP project. The lack of due diligence before extending financial support is a matter of grave concern, and we urge the Danish government to reassess its involvement in this project.” They submit.

In light of the above, the petitioners have, therefore, demanded the Ceasing of all financial support to Mr Museveni’s regime and the EACOP project immediately, a public declaration by Denmark that the country will not contribute further to the EACOP project and a commitment to advocate for other nations, including the UK, EU, USA, Germany, and others, to withdraw support for the EACOP project.

“The consequences of continued funding to Mr Museveni’s regime and the EACOP project are dire, with lasting effects on the human rights, environment, and future of Uganda. We implore you to act swiftly and decisively in the interest of justice, human rights, and accountability.” 

“For a comprehensive understanding of the situation, we encourage you to review the evidence we have compiled, including videos, pictures, and news articles, available through the following links,” the petitioners further appeal.

The petition also delved into the 2021 contested general elections which they claim was violent with President Museveni exerting a lot of undue brutality on opposition supporters, many of whom remain incarcerated to date. Based on the above, they are of the view that stringent conditions are put in place before advancing any more support to the regime in Kampala.

“Given the alarming documentary evidence by the BBC detailing President Museveni’s brutal actions during the 2021 presidential election campaigns in Uganda, it is imperative that conditions are established before providing any further funding to his administration. The ongoing reports of abductions, rape, torture, and murder indicate a clear violation of human rights in the country. To ensure that funds are utilised for the betterment of Ugandans and not to further oppress them, stringent preconditions must be implemented.”

“These conditions should prioritise the respect for human rights, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that the financial assistance serves its intended purpose and contributes positively to the well-being of the Ugandan people.” The petition further demands, with hope “that Denmark will stand on the right side of history.”

January 24, President Museveni met with the Danish Envoy, Mr. Dan Jorgensen, who is the Minister for Development Cooperation & Global Climate Policy, and his delegation at State Lodge Nakasero where he requested the Danish government’s support for his wetland reclamation program, which aims to address the issue of illegal rice growers in swamps that serve as important sources of rainfall in Uganda.

“I have a wetland reclamation program to encourage these illegal rice growers in swamps to relocate. They are there illegally, so I try to incentivize them. I wouldn’t call it compensation because they are the ones in the wrong. Therefore, if you can mobilize funding to incentivize them to leave the swamps and engage in fish farming on the periphery instead of the centre,” President Museveni explained.

In response, the Danish envoy appreciated President Museveni’s efforts and commitment to addressing climate change and refugee issues. He expressed Denmark’s willingness to support Uganda’s wetland reclamation program and contribute $95 million to help mitigate the effects of climate change and provide assistance to refugees.

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Raila Odinga

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga has stepped forward with a compassionate donation of Kshs. 1 million to aid the victims of the tragic Embakasi gas plant explosion.

The explosion, which occurred in the Mradi area of Embakasi East on Thursday night, claimed three lives and left over 270 people injured.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, took to social media to announce the gracious gesture from Raila Odinga.

According to Owino, the leader of the Azimio coalition sent the funds on Saturday morning, just a day after the devastating incident.

“I received 1 million Kenya Shillings from H.E Baba Raila Amolo Odinga this morning to help the fire victims. In addition, I have donated an extra 1 million shillings towards this noble cause, totaling 2 million shillings. Other Azimio Leaders are also contributing towards this. God bless Kenya, and please pray for Embakasi East,” Babu Owino tweeted.

The Embakasi East MP expressed his commitment to supporting the victims and revealed that other leaders affiliated with the Azimio la Umoja coalition party are also actively contributing to the cause.

The tragedy has sparked a nationwide outcry, with many questioning the safety measures surrounding the licensing of the gas plant within a residential area.

President William Ruto has responded swiftly, ordering the immediate arrest and prosecution of all officials involved in issuing the licenses to the gas plant.

The additional 1 million Kenyan Shillings donated by Babu Owino, combined with Raila Odinga’s initial contribution, brings the total relief fund to 2 million shillings.

The funds are expected to provide much-needed assistance to the affected families and aid in their recovery from this devastating incident.

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Embakasi gas plant explosion

In a bold move to address the aftermath of the gas filling plant explosion in Embakasi, President William Ruto has taken decisive action by ordering the immediate dismissal, arrest, and detainment of government officials responsible for issuing licenses to the ill-fated facility.

The president, speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for Chekalini Market in Lugari, Kakamega County, expressed his concern over the operational status of the gas filling plant, emphasizing that it was in direct violation of the law.

President Ruto revealed that unscrupulous government officials had granted permits to the gas dealer, allowing them to operate in a residential area, thereby putting the lives of Kenyan citizens at risk.

He sternly demanded the removal and apprehension of these officials within a tight timeframe of 24 hours, ensuring they face the charges brought against them.

During his address, President Ruto attributed the explosion to a combination of laziness, deceit, and corruption within government offices.

He highlighted the negligence of those who approved the establishment of the gas filling plant in a residential zone, leading to the tragic incident in Nairobi that resulted in numerous injuries.

“I have instructed the Ministry that those responsible for granting the license should be fired, arrested, and detained today,” declared President Ruto, underlining the urgency of the situation.

He further pointed out that the government officials involved had succumbed to bribery, turning a blind eye to regulations and compromising the safety of the community.

The head of state also shed light on the prior warnings given to the gas filling plant owners, instructing them not to establish the facility in the specified area.

However, due to the influence of bribery and a lack of discipline, the license was issued, ultimately culminating in the tragic explosion on Thursday night.

President Ruto’s swift and firm response underscores his commitment to eradicating corruption within government agencies and ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyan citizens.

As the nation grapples with the repercussions of this incident, the president’s actions send a clear message that accountability and adherence to the law are non-negotiable in the pursuit of a secure and lawful society.

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Chief Justice

Azimio party leader Raila Odinga has dropped a bombshell, accusing President William Ruto of orchestrating a strategic move to appoint former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati as the Chief Justice of Kenya.

Raila in his recent media briefing unveiled a purported plot hatched during a crucial meeting between the Judiciary, Parliament, and the Executive at State House, Nairobi.

Raila claims that President Ruto has been offered slots in the gazetted Court of Appeal vacancies, intending to use two of them to appoint Chebukati and his predecessor at IEBC, Issack Hassan, as Court of Appeal judges.

The grand plan allegedly involves Chebukati’s subsequent elevation to Chief Justice before the 2027 General Election.

According to Raila, this clandestine agreement was reached during a meeting at State House, Nairobi, where Chief Justice Martha Koome and Mr. Ruto allegedly struck a deal that involved additional funding to the Judiciary.

Raila details the intricate agreement, asserting that in exchange for additional funding, Chief Justice Koome agreed to advertise vacancies for five high court judges and 11 Court of Appeal judges.

The advertisement for the 11 judges has reportedly already been gazetted. Notably, Raila claims that Ruto intends to forward the names of Chebukati and Ahmed Issack Hassan as Court of Appeal judges, with Chebukati later rising to the position of Chief Justice.

The alleged political maneuvering raises serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the potential influence of the executive in judicial appointments.

If proven true, this revelation could have far-reaching consequences for the credibility of the judicial system and democratic processes in Kenya.

As Raila Odinga brings these accusations to the forefront, the Kenyan political landscape is left grappling with the potential ramifications of this alleged plot.

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Johnson Sakaja

Former Nairobi County governor Mike Sonko has sounded a warning to current governor Johnson Sakaja over a City Hall employee who has been fraudulently milking millions from the County coffers.

Sonko took to his official social media accounts and posted a photo of governor Sakaja alongside his juniors, and sounded a warning, claiming that one of the people in the photo would put Sakaja in trouble.

According to Sonko, the said employee keeps on recycling the already paid vouchers that run into hundreds of millions.

Sonko went ahead to warn that he will soon call out the employee and expose his/her name for the people to know.

“Gavanaree kuna mtu hapa nataka uchungane nae asikushikishe handball. Kazi yake ni kurecycle vouchers zile zishalipwa worth hundreds of millions. Hata yeye naenda kumuuma any time. Kaa rada,” Sonko posted on his official X account.

Netizens started to anxiously react, urging Sonko to point out the said employee in the photo.

By the time of publishing this article, Sonko had not pointed out the person he had accused in the photo.

Governor Sakaja had also not reacted on Sonko’s post by the time of publishing this article.

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President William Ruto meeting with Chief Justice Martha Koome

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has revealed the details of the Monday morning meeting between President William Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Hussein in a statement shared via his official X account said President Ruto had convened the leadership meeting of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, at the request of the Judiciary.

The meeting aimed at deliberating on building approaches to fight corruption, enhance accountability and to facilitate the efficient and seamless delivery of services to the people of Kenya.

The Executive, Judiciary and Legislature have agreed to each submit, within 30 days, proposals on fighting corruption, improving service delivery and enhancing institutional accountability to a forum of the National Council of the Administration of Justice convened by the Chief Justice.

To optimize the efficient service delivery and the fight against corruption, the Executive and legislature will support the Judiciary’s request for additional budgetry.

Below is the full statement on the deliberations of the meeting.

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Martha Koome with President Ruto

Chief Justice Martha Koome Monday morning held a meeting with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

The meeting aimed to end the stand-off between the Judiciary and the Executive arm of the government.

Although the Judiciary and State House have remained mum on the details of the meeting, Daily Trends has established that National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula was in attendance.

President Ruto had earlier on accused unnamed judges of working with cartels to frustrate the government agenda following injunctions on his legacy projects of health and housing.

The President’s remarks sparked an uproar with the Law Society of Kenya holding demonstrations to protest, arguing that the independence of the Judiciary was being threatened.

President Ruto and his allies continued with the attacks, insisting that the head of state had only called for a dialogue over the alleged corruption in the corridors of justice.

CJ Koome then proposed a meeting, saying she was willing to listen to the president so as to find a lasting solution in what was widely opposed by the legal experts led by the Law Society of Kenya.

Last week, the president announced that he was ready and willing to meet the Chief Justice.

The Opposition led by Raila Odinga opposed the meeting saying it compromises judicial independence.

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Mumias East MP Peter Salasya slapping MCA Peter Walunya

Barely days after trending for the wrong reasons following drama that ensued at a funeral in Mumias when he slapped an MCA, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has been caught in another drama.

The lawmaker was captured in a video in another drama with MCA Peter Walunya who he had assaulted while at a funeral event in his constituency.

Salasya while addressing students of St Gabriel Isongo Secondary School on Thursday, January 18, 2024, blamed MCA peter Walunya for the protests that led to TSC to transfer all the 17 teachers from the school.

According to the chairperson of the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Kakamega Johnstone Wabuti, the 17 were handed their transfer letters to neighbouring schools.

Salasya who had been accompanied by other leaders from the area to demand reinstatement of the teachers to the school, is seen angrily ordering MCA Walunya to apologize to the nation.

He goes ahead to claim that the MCA is the one who had organized the protests, without his knowledge.

In the video, he angrily orders the MCA to apologize to the parents, students and the entire nation, failure to which he would close the meeting and order everyone to disperse.

The MCA failed to compile, and as a result, Salasya ordered everyone to disperse.

The students refused and demanded that the MCA addresses them, before Salasya walked down the podium and chased them.

The MCA attempted to stand and address the students but he was calmed down by a colleague.

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Boni Khalwale with Oparanya

Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale has released a video revealing the details of his six-hour long meeting with former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

Khalwale had on Sunday evening left his followers in speculations after revealing that he had held the meeting with Oparanya at his rural home in Mabole, Kakamega County.

However, Boni Khalwale has this morning released the video that shows him addressing the press alongside Oparanya and Lurambi Member of Parliament Titus Khamala.

In the video, Khalwale says that he had earlier on visited President William Ruto and informed him about his intentions to vie for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027.

As a starting point, Boni Khalwale says he had to visit Oparanya, who is the county’s first boss, and share with him the information.

The reason we came here is because two months ago, I visited the President of Kenya and announced to him that in 2027 I will be running for governor of Kakamega. Today was now the day to inform the county government of Kakamega,” Khalwale says in the video.

The bullfighter goes ahead to say that he had deliberately chosen Oparanya for the communication because he was Kakamega’s first governor.

“I deliberately chose Oparanya for this important communication to the county because he was our first governor. I have met the former governor without prejudice to anybody,” Boni Khalwale said.

Oparanya on his part praises Khalwale for having done a good job when he was the first senator of the county.

“He put me on toes of course, and because of that I was able to deliver, and that is what a senator is supposed to do,” Opararanya said.

Oparanya further noted that there is no permanent enemy in politics, and that what is important is the interests.

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Jubilee party nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege on Thursday, January 11, 2024, led a contingent of about 120 Jubilee MCAs to a meeting with President William Ruto.

The meeting was held at the Nakuru State House.

The former ruling party has about 127 MCAs.

Sabina Chege also led the party’s 28 NEC members to the meeting, renewing the leadership wrangles that have been facing the former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s party.

Jubilee has been faced with leadership wrangles for months now as two groups claim to be bona fide officials of the party.

One group has remained loyal to Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja coalition while the other shifted allegiance to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza.

The group led by Sabina Chege and former Kieni MP and now EALA MP Kanini Kega supports President Ruto and alleges to have left the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition.

Another faction led by Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has remained loyal to the Azimio la Umoja coalition party.

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On Monday, January 8th, 2024, Kenyan President William Ruto returned to his alma mater, Kamagut Primary School in Uasin Gishu County. The visit, marked by photos shared by Ruto’s handlers, painted a stark picture of a school in dire need of renovation. The building housing kindergarten children, the same one Ruto occupied over 40 years ago, stood as a testament to years of neglect.

This visit comes amidst Ruto’s ongoing political battle with his rival, Raila Odinga, whom he has severally branded the “Lord of Poverty.” Yet, the state of Kamagut Primary raises a critical question: could the real “Lord of Poverty” be closer to home?

Ruto’s political career spans over two decades, marked by positions of considerable power and influence. He served as an MP, KANU Secretary General, Cabinet Minister, and Deputy President before assuming the presidency in 2022. Throughout his ascent, Kamagut Primary, the very source of his educational foundation, remained in a state of dilapidation.

This begs the question: if someone with Ruto’s resources and political clout couldn’t prioritize the improvement of his own alma mater, how can Kenyans trust him to tackle the broader issue of poverty across the nation?

Furthermore, Ruto’s campaign promises centered around uplifting “Kenyan Hustlers” through initiatives like affordable housing. However, the neglect of Kamagut Primary casts doubt on his ability to deliver on these promises. If basic needs like quality education remain unaddressed in his childhood community, how can Kenyans expect him to effectively address the struggles of millions across the country?

Ruto’s supporters might argue that his recent visit signals a commitment to change. However, the timing, coinciding with a renewed attack on Odinga, raises suspicions of political maneuvering rather than genuine concern for the school’s well-being.

The story of Kamagut Primary transcends a single school. It serves as a powerful symbol of the challenges faced by Kenyan education and exposes the potential hypocrisy of Ruto’s “Lord of Poverty” narrative. Until concrete action is taken to address the needs of Kamagut Primary and countless other schools like it, Ruto’s claims of fighting poverty will ring hollow.

The Kenyan people deserve leaders who prioritize the well-being of their communities, not just political point-scoring. The state of Kamagut Primary serves as a stark reminder that true commitment to alleviating poverty requires action, not just rhetoric. Only time will tell if President Ruto will rise to the challenge and prove his critics wrong.

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President William Ruto has intensified his battle against corruption within the Judiciary, and his latest statement has raised eyebrows and ignited a fresh wave of discussions.

The head of state through his official social media accounts on Thursday, January 4, reiterated his stand against the Judiciary, warning that impunity of bribing judges so as to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under his watch.

In his statement, President Ruto noted that flamboyant lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi had previously warned him of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers.

The first in command further says that he assured the senior counsel that there are many good officers in the judiciary and that his administration will root out the corrupt.

In what looks like a threat against the judicial officers, President Ruto went ahead to quote his famous phrase of “Mambo ni Matatu..waende jela, wahame Kenya ama waende mbinguni”.

“Ahmednasir SC ,you warned me of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers. I told you there are many good officers in the judiciary and that we will root out the corrupt. We shall. Muite SC, the impunity of bribing judges so as not to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under my watch. Not a single cent will be used to bribe nobody. Mambo ya wafisadi wote ni yale nilisema…..,” President Ruto posed.

The president’s post has stirred mixed reactions, with a section of netizens faulting him for the stand.

Some have argued that the move is meant to silence the Judiciary, with others saying commenting that it might cost him the 2027 presidency.

“So corruption is only corruption when it doesn’t favour you? What have you done with the parliament zakayo,” one of the X users posed.

“Wish you used the same energy to hold to account Kimwarer dam culprits. 63B of taxpayers money went down the drain. According to you, Judges are well meaning when they vindicate your cronies. Double standards!” another X user reacted.

President Ruto sparked the conversation when he remarked that the judiciary was being bribed by a few individuals to sabotage his projects.

While making reference to the court order that stopped the housing levy, the head of state said his administration will start disobeying such orders that are aimed at derailing his work.

This attracted condemnation from different sects, among them the Law Society of Kenya, the Kenya judges and magistrates associations, Chief Justice Martha Koome and a section of politicians.

LSK on Wednesday threatened to stage national protests to force President Ruto to withdraw his remarks against the Judiciary, but the head of state seem snot to be letting go of the war any time soon. Or is he?

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Just hours after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) urged President William Ruto to take back his remarks on the Judiciary, vowing to take to the streets for peaceful protests next week, State House has issued a statement telling off the lawyers.

In statement issued by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto has told off LSK for criticising and attempting to advise the President on the independence of the Judiciary and Constitutionalism.

According to the statement, President Ruto’s push for judicial reforms is unstoppable.

State House intimated that the advice by LSK was not necessary as the President has consistently upheld the rule of law and respected court orders, even in regards to his affordable housing pet project.

“We, however, agree with the Law Society of Kenya that Executive impunity is unacceptable. However, legislative impunity, by its own measure, is also unacceptable and so is judicial impunity,” reads the statement in part.

According to the State House Spokesperson, it would be a dereliction of the President’s oath of office, and a betrayal of the people’s mandate to allow their hopes and aspirations to be obstructed by corruption and impunity.

LSK had earlier on announced that it will organize peaceful protests across the country in defense of the rule of law and in solidarity with the Judiciary.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 3, LSK President Eric Theuri accused the President of undermining the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary, which he said was “a cornerstone of democracy.”

Moments later, Chief Justice Martha Koome called out perceived judicial intimidation by the Executive and urged judges and judicial officials to carry on with their work without fear of reproach or coercion. 

It all started when President Ruto, while speaking in Nyandarua on Tuesday, claimed that the the Judiciary harbours rogue elements out to sabotage his legacy.

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Lawyer Miguna Miguna has revealed worrying details amid a war between President William Ruto and the Judiciary.

President Ruto caused an uproar after making remarks against the Judiciary.

The head of state while speaking in Nyandarua on Tuesday, January 2, alleged that some rulings made by the Judiciary were slowing down the implementation of the Kenya Kwanza development agenda.

One of the rulings that provoked the President’s ire was the court order that halted the implementation of the 1.5 per cent housing levy on salaried Kenyans, declaring it unconstitutional.

President Ruto claimed that the court order was a setback to his administration’s efforts to provide affordable housing to Kenyans, which is one of the pillars of the Kenya Kwanza development agenda, and hinted at disobeying subsequent orders.

This irked a section of Kenyans, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announcing that it will organize peaceful protests across the country in defense of the rule of law and in solidarity with the Judiciary.

LSK has also urged its members to wear purple ribbons throughout the next week as a symbol of protest against the President’s threats to defy court orders, which it termed as a “constitutional coup” and a “return of an autocratic regime.”

However, the State House in a quick rejoinder affirmed that President Ruto’s push for judicial reforms is unstoppable, telling off the LSK for criticising and attempting to advise the Head of State on the independence of the Judiciary and Constitutionalism.

In a subsequent statement by Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, State House intimated that the advice by LSK was not necessary as the President has consistently upheld the rule of law and respected court orders, even in regards to his affordable housing pet project.

The State House response prompted Miguna Miguna to take to his official social media accounts to reveal details that should worry Kenyans.

According to Miguna Miguna, this is just but the beginning of dictatorship in the country.

Miguna says dictatorship starts when the country is hungry, exhausted and desperate.

He goes ahead to note that the dictatorship starts by killing organized institutions and spaces that would protect the people against excesses by those in power.

“This is how dictatorship starts. It creeps in when the country is hungry, exhausted and desperate. It starts by killing organized institutions and spaces that would protect the people against excesses by those in power.

“We cannot allow anyone to turn the judiciary into a scared, threatened and bludgeoned institution because that cannot be in the interest of the people. We need a strong, INDEPENDENT, competent and ETHICAL judiciary. We cannot build one through executive threats, intimidation, coercion, or bribery!” Miguna posted.

In a separate statement, the JSC had also expressed concern over the public criticism and vilification of judges and judicial officers for issuing court orders that are perceived to be against state programmes and policies.

 JSC reaffirmed the independence and integrity of the judiciary as “a co-equal arm of government”, as enshrined in the constitution, and urged all judges and judicial officers to continue performing their judicial duties “without fear or favour”.

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  • Chief Justice Martha Koome has taken a firm stand against allegations made by President Ruto and his allies, accusing some officers within the Judiciary of operating with impunity.
  • The Chief Justice highlighted the positive duties of the State in ensuring respect for the law and adherence to it.
  • CJ Koome underscored the significance of respecting court orders, particularly when they involve disputes between citizens and the State.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has fired a response to President William Ruto over his remarks on the Judiciary.

CJ Koome has taken a firm stand against allegations made by President Ruto and his allies, accusing some officers within the Judiciary of operating with impunity.

In an internal memo to judges, judicial officers and staff seen by Daily Trends on Wednesday, January 3, she condemned the remarks as they touch on matters presently still being deliberated in court, noting that they can hence only serve to intimidate judges to rule in a certain way.

The Supreme Court President also emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the judicial processes and called upon all Kenyans to report any acts that could compromise the judiciary.

Defending the Rule of Law

CJ Koome underscored the significance of respecting court orders, particularly when they involve disputes between citizens and the State.

She emphasized that deliberate disregard or disobedience of court orders by State officials undermines citizens’ right to access justice, posing a threat to the effectiveness of the legal system that citizens rely on to enforce their rights and legal duties.

Positive Duties of the State

The Chief Justice highlighted the positive duties of the State in ensuring respect for the law and adherence to it.

She urged State and Public Officers to recognize their responsibilities in upholding the rule of law, emphasizing the need for effective mechanisms to resolve disputes.

This statement reaffirms the Judiciary’s commitment to maintaining a legal system that citizens can trust and depend on.

JSC’s Commitment to Accountability

In response to the allegations, Chief Justice Koome assured the public that the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) is dedicated to keeping the Judiciary in order.

She emphasized that any judges or magistrates with questionable behavior would be promptly investigated, and the JSC has a proven record of taking swift action against those found in breach of the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics or engaged in corrupt practices.

Encouraging Whistleblowers

She further encouraged individuals with information on any acts threatening the integrity of judicial processes to come forward and report such cases to the JSC.

CJ Koome noted that the JSC is committed to transparency, and any allegations of misconduct or corruption will be dealt with firmly and swiftly in accordance with the Constitution.

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  • The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has declared a call to action with nationwide protests set to unfold next week.
  • This follows President William Ruto’s recent verbal assault on the Judiciary.
  • Expressing deep concern, the LSK highlighted the potential jeopardy to the Judiciary’s integrity posed by Ruto’s remarks.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has declared a call to action with nationwide protests set to unfold next week, spurred by President William Ruto’s recent verbal assault on the Judiciary.

President Ruto while speaking at the funeral of the father of Nyandarua Senator John Methu in Njabini on Tuesday, January 2, alleged a scheme by a few individuals who  bribe judges to halt key development projects across the country through court orders.

This seismic clash has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with legal professionals and political figures alike condemning Ruto’s remarks as an affront to the very bedrock of Kenya’s democracy.

1. LSK’s Stand Against Ruto’s Attack on the Judiciary

The Law Society of Kenya, in a press briefing on Wednesday, minced no words as it criticized President Ruto for his scathing comments that linked the courts to cartels.

Expressing deep concern, the LSK highlighted the potential jeopardy to the Judiciary’s integrity posed by Ruto’s remarks.

The LSK President Eric Theuri said all advocates and legal practitioners will put on yellow ribbons during the demos to signify their support for the Judiciary and the rule of law.

Theuri who was flanked by his deputy Faith Odhiambo, urged President Ruto to recant his statements as he is setting a bad precedent for the rule of law in country.

This move by the legal fraternity underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to protect the sanctity of the judicial system.

2. Judges and Magistrates Association Joins the Fray

In a rare show of unity, the Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association also took a stand against Ruto’s verbal onslaught.

Accusing the President of flouting court orders, the association emphasized the constitutional duty to protect and uphold the independence of the Judiciary.

“Judges and judicial officers can not work freely with such threats, especially when made by no other than the President himself.

“By disobeying the Court Orders, the President is disobeying the very Constitution which he swore to protect and uphold by trampling upon the independence of the Judiciary,” reads the statement in part.

This condemnation adds weight to the growing opposition against what many perceive as an attack on a fundamental pillar of Kenya’s democracy.

3. Political Figures Speak Out

Leaders from various political quarters have also joined the chorus of disapproval.

KANU Secretary for Political Affairs, Fredrick Okango, urged the Law Society of Kenya to take decisive action against Ruto, emphasizing the threat posed to the independence of the Judiciary.

This sentiment was echoed by other lawyers and opposition figures, including Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who called for a united front against the perceived undermining of judicial autonomy.

4. Ruto’s Threat to Judicial Independence

The heart of the matter lies in Ruto’s alleged threat to the independence of the Judiciary.

Critics argue that by disobeying court orders, the President is not only undermining the Constitution he swore to protect but is also endangering the very fabric of Kenya’s democratic institutions.

The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the delicate balance between the executive and the judiciary.

As the nation braces itself for a week of protests, the clash between President William Ruto and the Judiciary unveils a complex narrative of power dynamics and the struggle to uphold democratic principles.

The Law Society of Kenya’s call to action signals a collective determination to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that could reshape the political landscape in Kenya.

The coming days will undoubtedly be a litmus test for the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions and the nation’s commitment to the rule of law.

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