William Ruto gives mixed signals on Judiciary and his agenda for Kenya

President William Ruto with Chief Justice Martha Koome arrive at the judiciary building in Nairobi on Friday, November 04, 2022, during the launch of a report on the state of the judiciary and the administration of justice. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

President William Ruto on Friday sent mixed signals on the independence of the Judiciary. In his speech during the launch of the Status of the Judiciary Annual Report (Sojar), the president assured that his administration would not interfere with the other arms of government.

"For the avoidance of doubt, I reiterate my commitment to live up to my pledge to Kenyans that I intend to empower the Judiciary and criminal justice system as required by the Constitution as well as respect the decisions and orders of the courts as they relate to the Executive. No more and no less," said Ruto.