VIDEO: Raila Explains President Ruto's Hasty Appointment of Six Judges
Speaking during a parliamentary group meeting on September 16 in Machakos county, Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja party, revealed why newly elected President William Ruto was quick to appoint the six judges shortly after taking office.
Leah Mukangai Raila claimed that there is a push for the executive to seize control of the judiciary through illegal means. Raila stated that President Ruto did not know the total amount required for the judiciary's funding in the coming years.
"There’s a push by the executive to own the judiciary through illegal actions that amount to bribery," Raila stated.
Through an executive order, President William Ruto appointed judges Korir Weldon Kipyegon, Muchelule Aggrey Otsyula, Odunga George Vincent, and Joel Mwaura Ngugi.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166(1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, I William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, appoint Makori Evans Kiago and Cheruiyot Omange Judith Elizabeth to be judges of the Environment and Land Court," the notice read.
Raila also accused Chief Justice Martha Koome of subverting the people's will, claiming that the judiciary had been captured by the state.
"Today the Supreme Court is threatening those who petitioned the case before them. Chief Justice Martha Koome has also stopped Kenyans from discussing the judgment. She went to her village to defend the verdict even before they released the full judgment. She said the ruling was inspired by God I say It was inspired by the devil," Raila stated.
Furthermore, he stated that they would be taking three actions in the coming weeks: saving the judiciary from state capture, transforming the IEBC to make it ready to hold a credible election, and protecting the legislature from state capture.
