LSK concerned over Ruto threat on housing levy

"LSK finds such characterisations misleading and deeply troubling," said President Eric Theuri.

LSK and Busia Senator Okiya Omtattah are among the petitioners who have filed cases in court challenging the housing levy, seeking its declaration as unconstitutional due to discrimination and creating an unequal playing field.

President Ruto's threat to use the sword against those opposing the levy through courts has angered lawyers. "Alongside the sword, the President was given the constitution. The sword is intended to protect and uphold the Constitution; it is not an instrument of oppression.

"As advocates, we similarly took an oath to protect the constitution and rule of law. We will do so boldly and won't be threatened or intimidated from challenging any government decision that offends the Constitution. The constitution of Kenya is our sword," said Theuri.

The government has filed an appeal scheduled for a hearing in the Court of Appeal.

Theuri said the court had pronounced itself on the unconstitutionality of the housing law and urged Ruto to respect the decision.

"The utterances by the President amount to a threat to the court, which is scheduled to hear the appeal," said the LSK boss.