Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA), have noted with grave concern the recent statements made by President William Ruto about the Judiciary and those who hold judicial office in Kenya.
The body says that the statement by the President castigated and threatened litigants who approach Courts in defence of the Constitution and the Rule of Law.
“Though the President alleged that they were going to respect judicial independence, by insinuating that the Court Orders are a manifestation of judicial tyranny and impunity is in itself an interference with judicial independence.” The statement read.
They noted in the past, they have witnessed real threats, interference and attempts to manipulate the Judiciary to interfere with the independence of the Judiciary saying that the remarks by the President are not only unfortunate but are aimed at ridiculing and painting the Judiciary negatively in the eyes of the public and as a result interfering with the independence of the Judiciary.
Attacking the Judiciary for that which it is mandated to do by the Constitution is contemptuous and an abuse of the Constitution and the people of Kenya.
By disobeying the Court Orders, the body says the President is disobeying the very Constitution which he swore to protect and uphold by trampling upon the independence of the Judiciary.
The Judges and Judicial Officers has assured all Kenyans that they shall continue to remain faithful to their oaths of office while performing the sacred duty of interpreting, applying and enforcing the law.
“We call upon all Kenyans of goodwill to stand up and protect the Constitution and the independence of the Judiciary. The Executive attacks against the Courts for doing their work must stop.’ the statement added