Ruto: I am not controlling Judiciary

President William Ruto.[Samson Wire,Standard]

President William Ruto has denied using his powers and position to control the Judiciary.

Speaking on Monday, December 5 2022, Ruto said his interest in the Judiciary was not to interfere with the wheels of justice.

He reiterated his interest was aimed at supporting the third arm of government deliver justice effectively to the people.

"I know there is discussion on why I am appearing in too many Judiciary events. I think they [Judiciary] can confirm to you that I have never put a telephone call to anybody to ask them to do nothing. My support for the judiciary is so that they can effectively deliver justice to the people of Kenya," Ruto said.

He made the remarks during the launch of National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) report.

NCAJ is a statutory institution bringing together policy and decision makers from Kenya's justice sector whose mandate to ensure a coordinated, efficient, effective and consultative approach in the administration of justice and reform of the justice system.

Ruto stated that the Kenya Kwanza government would support the Judiciary in its efforts to provide an efficient justice system, adding that the government would work with the Judiciary to expedite the completion of four small claims courts in Nairobi in 90 days.

"I have agreed with the Chief Justice Martha Koome that the pending four small claims court in Nairobi will be expedited in 90 days, to support Judiciary in the efficient delivery of justice," he said.

Dr Ruto, in his maiden speech as the Head of State yesterday, promised to end a three-year impulse between the Judiciary and the Executive.

Immediately after his inauguration, the President signed two gazette notices appointing Weldon Korir, Aggrey Muchelule, George Odunga and Prof Joel Ngugi to the Court of Appeal.

He also named High Court registrar Elizabeth Omange and chief magistrate Evans Makori as Environment and Lands Court judges.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has also submitted a list of 20 successful High Court Judge position applicants to President William Ruto for appointment.

According to a press release by JSC Chairperson CJ Martha Koome, the submission marked the end of recruitment advertised by the commission on March 14, 2022.

"After lengthy deliberations and careful consideration of the performance of the various candidates and based on the constitutional imperative of merit, gender, regional balance and affirmative action, the JSC has recommended the appointment of the underlisted," Koome said.