Open disregard for court decision by president is a path to anarchy

Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

President William Samoei Ruto stirred controversy recently by asserting his intention to defy court orders perceived to obstruct the government's developmental initiatives, particularly in respect to universal health coverage, infrastructural development, the housing levy, and other taxation matters.

Ruto argued that some corrupt judges were being used to subvert his development agenda, without naming those accused of sabotage or their accomplices. Consequently, the president's accusations painted the Judiciary as tainted and thus lacking legitimacy.