Kikuyu MP Ichung’wa takes swipe at Judiciary

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa has urged the Head of State to assert his authority and rein in what he perceives as a 'rogue' judiciary. The impassioned call follows the Court of Appeal's decision on Friday not to suspend a High Court verdict declaring the housing levy unconstitutional.

Ichung'wa, speaking in Meru County after the ruling, voiced concerns over what he labelled as the judiciary operating beyond its prescribed role and impeding the executive and legislature. He asserted that such interference jeopardizes the success of the Kenya Kwanza initiatives, designed to generate employment opportunities for the country's youth.

"What we have seen today has nothing to do with the independence of the judiciary. This is judicial overreach. They have overreached their mandate and are now sabotaging the work of the Executive and Legislature and sabotaging the jobs created for the millions of youth in our country," Ichung'wa emphatically stated.

In a direct appeal to President William Ruto, Ichung'wa pleaded, "I want to plead with you, your Excellency; don't allow your government to be sabotaged or undermined by cartels and masters of state capture, either through the judiciary or even in the legislature. Kaa ngumu rais!"

He went on to hint at the possibility of reducing funds allocated to the judiciary should it persist in hindering Ruto's development agenda plans. "Najua ulifanya mkutano na hawa watu na ulisema utawaongezea pesa lakini kama unataka kuwaongezea pesa na hiyo pesa itakuja kufanyiwa budget kwa bunge na mahali pesa inatoka ni kwa ushuru na hii Judiciary ndio inasimama ushuru. Ikifika bunge tutafungafunga," he warned.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed Ichung'wa's sentiments on Saturday, stating, “This affordable housing programme is a covenant that President Ruto entered between him and the people that voted for him, and nobody should dare come between that programme."