President William Ruto's allies have declared their intention to push for radical surgery in the Judiciary to eliminate judicial officers who allegedly collaborate with government critics to obstruct crucial projects.
Speaking during the funeral service of the late Anna Kemei in Kipetere, Kericho county, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, MPs Justice Kemei (Soin/Sigowet MP), Nelson Koech (Belgut), and Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei, vowed to challenge the perceived disruption of government projects by the Judiciary.
Koech faulted the Judiciary for its pronouncement on the housing levy, emphasizing its inclusion in the Kenya Kwanza government manifesto, approval by the Cabinet, and completion of all legal processes at the National Assembly before being enacted into law by the president.
"However, a Judge who enjoys a mortgage dares to deny so many others opportunities to own a house. We will not allow the courts to dictate how to legislate and which policies the government should proceed with and which it shouldn't. We, therefore, require a radical surgery in the Judiciary," he said.
Cheruiyot argued that the Judiciary should balance the equality of rights, saying that despite the National Assembly passing the Tea Act in 2020, half of the new laws had not been implemented due to litigants moving to court and the Judiciary consistently postponing the judgment.
"We must have an honest conversation with the judiciary. Known litigants who thrive on taking bribes cannot keep rushing to courts to stop government programs and easily obtain court orders. We will not tolerate that behaviour," he said.
The Senate Majority Leader declared that the government would take action to rein in what he termed an authoritarian Judiciary.
"We will stand firm; the government has to be free so that Kenyans can benefit from its programmes," said Cheruiyot.
Kemei called for national dialogue to rein in the Judiciary, which, he claimed, renders the National Assembly useless after passing crucial Bills.
"The Judiciary is assisting a few individuals who, whenever President William Ruto comes up with good ideas for Kenyans, obtain court orders to stop them," he said.
Kericho Woman Rep criticized the Judiciary for allegedly attempting to scuttle the rollout of Universal Health Coverage despite the National Assembly following due process to pass health Bills.
"Though we appreciate judicial independence, Kenyans are unhappy with the decision to halt various government programs and services. Judges and magistrates should be reasonable and patriotic," she said.
Ms Kemei asserted that while the President should obey reasonable court orders, they would reject those that are not.
