- JSC vice chairman Isaac Ruto caused controversy after attending a meeting of the UDA National Governing Council convened by President William Ruto at the Presidential Palace
- His presence was criticized by lawyers such as Lawyer Joshua Malidzo, who said that the role required political neutrality.
- Malidzo urged Ruto to resign, warning that his political involvement undermines the transparency and credibility of the upcoming JSC judicial inquiry
Vice-chairman of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and public representative Isaac Ruto has surprised many Kenyans following his attendance at the meeting of the National Governing Council of the Democratic Union (UDA).
Source: Twitter
President William Rutoin his capacity as UDA party leader, convened the NGC meeting at the State House, Nairobi, on Monday, January 26.
Why lawyers want Isaac Ruto removed from JSC
The presence of the vice-chairman of the JSC in the meeting would disturb many, who say that his position requires him not to be a political wing.
Joshua Malidzo, a High Court Advocate, raised the concern, noting that Ruto had sullied his time in the JSC by fully engaging in political activities.
The lawyer suggested that, henceforth, the activities of the JSC will not be seen through transparent lenses due to Ruto’s clear relationship with the administration.
Malidzo asked the JSC vice-chairman to resign.
“Basic constitutional purity requires Isaac Ruto to resign from the Judicial Service Commission and pursue his political interests outside the commission. He has no duty to attend next week’s interview of High Court nominees with the ELC,” he said.
Malidzo’s view was supported by other lawyers, who argued that Ruto was wrong to be openly involved in politics.
“This, I agree. It is unexpected for the JSC Commissioner to cooperate openly with a political party. This has a great impact on the independence of the Court. High level of indifference! It is very disgusting,” said Macharia Njeru.
A Kenyan lawyer living in Canada, Smiles Smilesalso contributed to the discussion, noting that such a show by Ruto erodes public confidence in the JSC to carry out its professional role without political interference.
Miguna gave it to the Chief Justice Martha Koomewho is also the chairman of the JSC, the duty to sympathize with judicial officials who appear to be preoccupied with political issues when they are expected to be neutral.
He asked Koome to remove Ruto from the JSC vice-chairmanship.
“How can you build public trust when your Vice Chairman wears the uniform of a political party and attends political events? This has raised serious questions about the integrity of your recent appointment to the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Kenyans are very surprised by this violation of the Constitution. Isaac Rutto should be removed from his post in the JSC,” Miguna said.
Ruto, the first governor of Bomet, joined the JSC in 2023.
He serves on several committees, including Human Resource Management, Finance and Planning, and Administration of Justice.
His most recent official involvement was the screening of applicants for the Court of Appeal.
At least 35 candidates were publicly examined by the commission.
Source: Twitter
On January 22, the JSC announced the 15 successful candidates from its interviews.
Who did the JSC appoint to the position of judge of the Court of Appeal?
Among them was Isaack Hassan, the current chairman of the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the founding chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He was also appointed as lawyer Katwa Kigen, a member of President Ruto’s ICC defense team in the past.
Ten High Court judges, namely Justices Chacha Mwita, Hedwig Ong’udi, Rachel Chepkoech, Byram Ongaya, Stephen Radido, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Lucy Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo, and Munyao Sila, were also part of the shortlist.
Others were three experienced High Court Lawyers: Muriungi Kariara, Paul Lilan, and Paul Okello.
Kariara would bring advanced training from the University of Liverpool, Lilan combines law and leadership expertise from the African Management University, while Okello adds an international perspective and a Master’s Degree from the University of London, both with law degrees from the University of Nairobi and postgraduate diplomas from the Kenya School of Law.
Once appointed by the president, the judges will be sworn in by the Chief Justice to begin their new duties.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
