Former Defence CS and Democratic Action Party Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugine Wamalwa has criticized President William Ruto’s bold promise to defy ‘corrupt’ court orders hindering his development projects.
Taking to his X account, Wamalwa expressed his concerns about the consequences of selectively obeying court decisions.
In a pointed warning, Wamalwa emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law
“If we are to choose which courts to obey & which ones not to obey, to that extent will we be courting disaster by undermining the rule of law, especially by a Regime whose legitimacy hangs on a thread of a decision by the same Courts? Dangerously reckless talk, should Azimio revisit?” Wamalwa cautioned.
If we are to choose which courts to obey &which ones not to obey,to that extent will we be courting disaster by undermining the rule of law,especially by a Regime whose legitmacy hangs on a thread of a decision by the same Courts.Dangerously reckless talk,should Azimio revisit? pic.twitter.com/xsGWMth5wj
— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) January 3, 2024
Wamalwa’s sentiments come in the wake of President Ruto’s controversial announcement, in which he pledged to disregard court orders that he perceives as tainted by corruption.
Ruto claims sabotage
During a funeral in Nyandarua County, Ruto accused certain judges of being involved in corruption cartels aimed at obstructing government projects.
Ruto asserted that these judges were issuing stay orders to hinder initiatives by his administration, vowing to crush such cartels and ensure the continuation of government plans.
“We will not allow these people to derail our plans, the corruption enterprise must come to an end. We’ll deal with them firmly,” Ruto said.
He specifically pointed to the issuance of stay orders affecting a road construction project in Nyandarua County and directed the Roads Principal Secretary to expedite fund allocation for its completion.
Housing levy squabble
In his New Year speech, Ruto criticized the judiciary for making decisions against government policies, referencing the judiciary’s declaration of the housing levy as unconstitutional and the issuance of conservatory orders against health Acts.
Ruto emphasized his commitment to ending the alleged corruption enterprise within the judiciary and pledged to deal with it firmly.
This marked the third public criticism of the judiciary by the Head of State, following previous instances in July and Kakamega county.
On November 28, Justices David Majanja, Christine Meoli, and Lawrence Mugambi declared the Housing Levy unconstitutional, allowing its collection to continue until January 10 pending further proceedings.
The court cited violations of taxation principles and the lack of a rational explanation for the levy’s imposition.
Additionally, in July, the High Court halted the enforcement of the Social Health Insurance Fund Act, Primary Health Care Act, and Digital Health Act until a legal challenge is heard.
