Ruto Responds to Court Cases Seeking to Remove Him From Office
President William Ruto has addressed multiple petitions filed in different courts to oust him from his position.
During a Town Hall meeting in Mombasa on Sunday, July 28, 2024, President Ruto acknowledged that 14 Kenyan citizens had lodged petitions to remove him from office.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that these 14 individuals are entitled to exercise their democratic rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.
“The 14 Kenyans who have gone to court are exercising their democratic right. That is how free this country is. You can go to any court and demand what you want; that is a taste of the freedom that I stand for in Kenya.
“I want to promise that those Kenyans who have gone to court for whatever reason are free to do it, and the courts are free to make whatever decision that is constitutional,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State emphasized that the courts have the autonomy to make a fair decision regarding the petitions aimed at his removal.
The petition
Ruto’s reaction followed a petition by 14 individuals who approached the High Court in Nairobi, requesting directives to facilitate a referendum to remove him and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, from their positions.
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The 14 petitioners contended in their case that President Ruto and his deputy had breached the constitution by permitting the police to carry out extrajudicial killings of anti-government demonstrators.
“In a constitutional democracy, there can be no justification for the President to deploy the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to prevent unarmed citizens,” the petitioners argued.
“This petition seeks judicial intervention to prevent the current socio-political crisis from spiraling out of control and to preserve the constitutional order.”
The petitioners argue that the economic downturn experienced in the country following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill could rapidly lead Kenya towards a state collapse similar to what has been seen in Sri Lanka, Lebanon, or Sudan.
Ruto further defends his administration
Ruto also emphasized his strong commitment to the Constitution and legal principles. He acknowledged that he had the authority to shut down the internet amid the protests but opted to uphold the rule of law and respect the people of Kenya.
“I believe in the rule of law and freedom of the media. That is what democracy is about,” Ruto stated.
Ruto Responds to Court Cases Seeking to Remove Him From Office
