Ruto-Koome meeting signals a compromised Judiciary, says Raila

Monday's State House meeting between Chief Justice Martha Koome and President William Ruto is a sign that the Judiciary is being compromised by the Executive, opposition leader Raila Odinga has said.

Raila's remarks were on a meeting seen as an effort to thaw relations among the Judiciary, the Executive and the Legislature, following harsh criticisms by the Executive, led by Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“If the two had to meet to discuss the recent fallout then such a meeting should have happened in a neutral place,” said Raila, leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition and the Orange Democratic (ODM) party. He spoke in Manda, Lamu County, where he commissioned the Maweni Water Project.

"The Executive resides at State House. That is the President's residence. If a conversation on matters of governance is to take place, it needs to take place in a neutral setting. The Judiciary is being held hostage by the Executive, and we've seen this before. We saw it happen under the rule of Mr Moi, and we have tried to caution the current CJ not to go to bed with the Executive."

CJ Koome's meeting with the President came after they both expressed willingness to hold discussions aimed at finding a lasting solution to the claims of graft within the corridors of justice. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya had cautioned her against talks with the head of state. Chairman Protas Saende had said, however, that if the two arms of government proceed with the talks, then they must abide by the rule of law.

The Judiciary has insisted it is independent and has denied allegations of corruption, saying they are unjustified. On January 3, Koome condemned attacks against the Judiciary, stating that they touch on matters currently being deliberated in court, potentially intimidating judges to rule in a certain way.

She urged judges and judicial staff to continue their duties without undue influence, assuring them that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) would protect them.