William Ruto To Root Out Corrupt Judges, Vows To Never Bribe Officials: "Mambo Ni Yale Nilisema"

• President William Ruto has maintained his decision to fight corrupt judges who allegedly take bribes to halt his development agenda
• Ruto said lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi had warned him of the existence of bribery at the courts when determining judgements
• The president said he would not allow such offences to continue under his administration, promising to deal with the corrupt

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

President William Ruto has insisted that corruption is prevalent within the Judiciary, promising to deal with corrupt judges sabotaging his transformation agenda.

The head of state stated that lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi had suggested to him to be cautious of potential bribery within the corridors of justice.

"Ahmednasir SC, you warned me of sabotage by corrupt judicial officers. I told you there are many good officers in the judiciary and that we will root out the corrupt. We shall.

Muite SC, the impunity of bribing judges to derail, delay, or sabotage Kenya’s imminent transformation will never happen under my watch. Not a single cent will be used to bribe anybody. Mambo ya wafisadi wote ni yale nilisema," he said.

William Ruto's threats sparks outrage

After facing public backlash from Kenyan lawyers, the Martha Koome-led Judiciary, and the opposition, the president made the remarks hours later, confirming his statement.

Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri, on January 3, announced a week-long nationwide protest by lawyers and legal practitioners to express solidarity and safeguard the Judiciary's independence.

“We’re concerned, as LSK, that we begin the year with a dark cloud hovering around the justice system following remarks by the president. Those remarks are a threat to the rule of law. We want the president to retract, or else they will send very bad signals,” he said.

He added:

“All advocates will put on yellow ribbons beginning next week to signify their support for the rule of law. We shall have a countrywide peaceful demonstration to stand for the independence of the Judiciary. We shall match peacefully and petition the Attorney General.”

However, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, with a similar tone as the president, urged Theuri not to be misled, pointing out that certain members of the society, including Ahmednasir and Paul Muite, would hold differing opinions.

"To Bwana Theuri, of the Law Society of Kenya. Are you telling the world there are no corrupt judicial officers vending judgements over bribes under cartels involving some of your members? I bet Ahmednasir and SC Paul Muite don’t agree with you. Seasoned seniors to you. Remove the blindfold!" he said.

What Ahmednasir told William Ruto

Earlier, Ahmednasir recommended that the president should adopt the approach of his predecessor, who allegedly engaged in bribing certain judges from the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court in matters concerning the government's interests.

"H.E. William Ruto should, instead of disobeying court orders issued by corrupt or bribe-taking judges, follow the manual by the H.E. Uhuru Administration. Bribe the judges yourself!" he advised.

School Management Takes Teachers To Fun-Filled Retreat For Improving In KCSE Score
Apostle Hellon Angered By Follower's Criticism, Tells Him Off Using Jargons: "Nullius Filius"
Bahati, Diana Marua Stun In White As They Walk Down The Aisle As Part Of Bridal Team

William Ruto

‘Mambo ni matatu’: This is how zero tolerance confronts corruption | Nation

‘Corruption cases taking too long in court,’ Ruto defends additional