LSK opposes calls for dialogue between Ruto, CJ Koome
The Law Society of Kenya has said it’s against the call by Chief Justice Martha Koome to hold a dialogue with President William Ruto over the ‘corrupt Judiciary’ claims.
Speaking on Wednesday, LSK President Eric Theuri said he wants the President to withdraw his remarks and apologize to Kenyans.
“We take a very firm position that the Chief Justice should not, under any circumstances, have a dialogue with the Executive over its remarks. The proper thing the President should do is to withdraw those remarks and apologize to Kenyans,” he said.
Theuri said if remarks by the executive are not withdrawn and the two leaders hold a dialogue, it will be a mockery of the Judiciary.
“The perception of corruption, influence, and the perception that the Judiciary is a lesser child in the constitution will be upheld if this meeting is conducted,” Theuri added.
Ruto accused the Judiciary of teaming up with cartels to stall his legacy projects.
“I want to announce here that a few people with vested interests who are beneficiaries of corruption in NHIF are now ganging up with corrupt judicial officers to stall reforms so that fake hospital claims will continue,” he said during burial in Nyandarua.
His sentiments elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans and leaders.
CJ Koome said the Judiciary has written to Ruto seeking an audience with the view to establishing the genesis of his complaints against the Judiciary.
“He might have received information because we have various machinery and agencies for collecting information and we would like to engage him so that he can give us that information,” Koome said in a press conference on Monday.
“We will be looking out for that dialogue with the President. We have written to him and I believe that the President is going to give us an appointment.”
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The President said he is ready for talks with CJ Koome to address alleged corruption in the Judiciary.
He has, however, said the discussion will involve the leadership of the three arms of government.
Opposition chief Raila Odinga warned Koome against any meeting with the Executive.
Raila said the planned meeting between the two arms of government is a plot to compromise the Judiciary.
Speaking in Vihiga county, Raila said the proposed meeting following the President’s onslaught against the Judiciary is a confirmation that the courts have surrendered to the Executive.
“Koome, don’t compromise the independence of the Judiciary by going to bed with the Executive. There is nothing to be negotiated. If you want to compromise the Judiciary and negotiate with the Executive over this kind of dispute, then we are saying you are yourself going to compromise this country,” Raila said.
“Please Mr President, respect the Judiciary. If you do not respect the Judiciary, we will not respect whatever you are saying and we will be justified.”
LSK opposes calls for dialogue between Ruto, CJ Koome
