Uhuru had a budget for bribing judges - Ruto

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto has sustained his attacks against the judiciary, claiming that his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta's government had a budget for bribing judges.

He said he will not take that route, pledging to ensure corrupt judicial officers are removed so as not to stall government flagship programs and projects.

Notably, Ruto served in Uhuru Kenyatta's government for 10 years as deputy president, from 2013 to 2022 when he was sworn in as Kenya's 5th president.

Addressing members of the public on Tuesday while laying the foundation stone for the Kapsuswa affordable housing project in Uasin Gishu County, president Ruto said he will not be 'pushed into a tight corner' in his bid to end judicial corruption and impunity.

“Some people are saying that because the previous government had a budget to bribe courts, I should go and come up with a budget to bribe the courts."

“Do you want your money to be used to bribe the courts? No budget will be made to bribe anyone in the courts. The courts are servants of Kenyans," he said.

He reiterated his recent remarks that some judges are colluding with some people, to sabotage his admiration's plan for the people.

“We respect the independence of the judiciary and other institutions, but that independence does not extend to sabotage the public interests. Any institution that undermines the delivery of constitutional rights; social and economic to the people of Kenya is undermining the constitution and we are going to make sure all of us respect the sovereignty of the people of Kenya.”

He said it is sad to see some people who are already employed, working so hard to deny Kenyans an employment opportunity through the affordable housing scheme.

“The biggest problem in Kenya is unemployment. You have jobs, and your children have jobs. The children of the hustler and mama mbogas have no jobs. I am their lawyer and I cannot bribe the courts; instead of giving bribes to courts, I will end corruption in courts," he stated.

The Head of State's strong worded statements against the judiciary, have in the past attracted condemnation from stakeholders in the country's judicial system.