Ruto urges judges to be 'patriotic'

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto has called on judges to be 'patriotic' so as not to stall his Kenya Kwanza's flagship programs and projects, aimed at uplifting lives of Kenyans.

Speaking during the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of modern Kamagut Primary and Junior Secondary School in his Uasin Gishu backyard, Ruto said judicial officers should put into consideration the welfare of millions of Kenyans, while making anti-government rulings.

“The judiciary should be patriotic and think about the welfare of millions of Kenyans who don’t have jobs, those selling their property so that they can afford hospital bills. We now have a government policy, we now can change, " he stated.

He said he will ‘do whatever it takes’ to ensure implementation of the government’s projects, which include affordable housing and universal health coverage (UHC), which champions affordable medication for all.

The Head of State seemingly questioned the suspension of government projects by the judiciary, stating that such actions were aimed at undermining crucial government programs through legal means.

“Let us give ordinary Kenyans a chance and I will do whatever it takes to defend the right of the people who have no jobs. I will do whatever it takes to ensure those who don’t have health insurance get one. It’s their right,” he added.

Ruto attended nursery at Kamagut primary school. He said it was nostalgic going back and meeting his former teachers.

Redevelopment of the institution, he said will give learners a superior learning environment, compared to his time over four decades ago.

"The redevelopment of the institution will present to our children a superior environment to learn and perform better. We urge other corporates to step forward and supplement the government’s efforts in such worthy causes."

The redevelopment is being funded by the M-Pesa foundation.