Angry Ruto Slams the Judiciary, Calls Their Order Stupid

President Ruto, in a recent statement dated January 2, 2024, has expressed strong reservations about certain court orders, declaring his intent to disregard them.

The Head of State cited the hindrance posed by these orders in delivering crucial projects promised to the Kenyan people during his campaign.

Specifically, President Ruto targeted a court order that halted the implementation of the Digital Health Act, 2023.

He criticized the order, alleging it was ill-advised and aimed at perpetuating corruption within the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). According to the President, individuals with vested interests bribed corrupt judicial officials to obstruct the implementation of the Act, allowing them to continue embezzling funds from the NHIF.

While emphasizing his respect for the independence of the Judiciary, President Ruto expressed a refusal to tolerate what he termed as “judicial impunity.”

He asserted that modifications to the functioning of the NHIF were essential to curb financial theft. The establishment of the Digital Health Act, 2023, was a step towards implementing a digital system safeguarding resources intended for health in Kenya.

President Ruto accused those benefiting from NHIF fund theft of orchestrating a plot to undermine the Act’s adoption by colluding with dishonest judges. He vowed to resist such attempts, stating that the stolen funds from NHIF would not occur again in Kenya.

The President emphasized his commitment to the judiciary’s independence but warned of decisive action against judges involved in corruption and individuals with vested interests seeking to maintain judicial impunity.

In a passionate declaration, President Ruto stated, “I respect the judiciary, but I won’t follow dumb court orders.”

This unequivocal stand sets the stage for a potential clash between the executive and the judiciary, raising questions about the balance of power and the rule of law in Kenya.

This development adds complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding the separation of powers and the fight against corruption in Kenya, with potential implications for the nation’s governance and legal landscape.