The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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President William Ruto this morning presided over the swearing-in of 15 newly appointed Court of Appeal judges, a move aimed at strengthening the judiciary amid a growing backlog of cases across the country.
During the ceremony, President Ruto congratulated the judges on their appointments and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law, pledging that the government will always comply with court orders.
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However, the President also expressed concerns over certain judicial decisions that have slowed down the implementation of government policies. While emphasizing that judicial independence must be respected, he called for open and candid engagement on rulings that impact government programs.
“We need to speak honestly and candidly about the consequences such decisions have on the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans,” President Ruto said.
The President noted that, despite progress in strengthening the judiciary, its capacity has not kept pace with the rising number of cases filed across the country. He said the appointment of additional judges is part of broader efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce case backlogs.
President Ruto also indicated that he plans to seek judicial interpretation on the role of political party manifestos, raising questions about their legal status in policy implementation. “Help me understand the place of a policy document called a manifesto,” he said.
Addressing the broader political landscape, the President urged Kenyans to move away from personality-driven politics, emphasizing instead the importance of institutions, the law, and national interests.
On the welfare of judicial officers, President Ruto assured that their security and benefits remain a priority, announcing that the Judicial Officers’ Retirement Benefits Bill will be considered and processed within the current financial year.
The newly sworn-in judges are expected to significantly bolster the Court of Appeal, which has faced mounting pressure from constitutional petitions, election disputes, and complex commercial cases.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the judiciary, and representatives of the legal fraternity, underscoring the importance of cooperation among the arms of government while respecting constitutional boundaries.
