Members of the Mombasa Law Society (MLS) on Friday joined the legal fraternity countrywide to strongly criticise President William Ruto's recent attacks on the judiciary.
The head of state is accused of attacking the judicial officers for allegedly undermining his administration’s key projects, among them the affordable housing program.
President Ruto last week alleged that some judicial officials were colluding with cartels to stall his legacy projects.
"I want to announce here that a few people with vested interests who are beneficiaries of corruption in NHIF are now ganging up with corrupt judicial officers to stall reforms so that fake hospital claims will continue," Ruto said in his address at a burial in Nyandarua.
"I want to assure you that this will not happen in Kenya again, and we will stop it."
In Mombasa, the lawyers, who were all wearing purple ribbons, to symbolize their commitment to the rule of law, staged a peaceful demonstration from the Imara Building to the Law Courts.
Brian Okoko, an advocate in Mombasa, expressed concern about the President’s attacks on the judiciary, terming them as an attempt to intimidate and undermine its independence.
“Such tactics could pave the way for unconstitutional policies by the executive,” he warned.
The protest, he said, was to emphasize the importance of democratic governance enabled by the 2010 constitution.
Okoko said the recent remarks by the executive towards judges, jeopardize the country's commitment to the rule of law.
He emphasized the importance of respecting court orders and warned against the potential descent into anarchy if such calls to disobey court decisions persist.
“As advocates practising in Mombasa and the wider coastal region, we stand in solidarity with the judiciary, the third arm of the government," Okoko said.
He reminded the executive of their own reliance on court judgments, emphasizing that the judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and democratic processes.
“We cannot allow the judiciary's standing to be undermined,” he said.
Okoko cautioned the executive against enacting unconstitutional policies, noting that the judiciary serves as a safeguard against such actions.
Despite potential disagreements with court decisions, Okoko emphasized that the government is obligated to respect and obey judicial rulings.
"We, as advocates, took an oath to remain faithful to the law, defend the rule of law and democracy, and safeguard the public interest," Okoko affirmed.
He reassured that they would continue challenging any decision or policy harmful to the citizenry and unconstitutional, as part of their commitment to upholding justice.
Kevin Osoro, another advocate, lamented the negative rhetoric against the judiciary and emphasized the importance of distinguishing between fair criticism and baseless accusations.
He underscored the judiciary's independence and urged Kenyans to work together to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
Lawrence Obonyo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the judiciary serves as the last line of defence.
He called on Kenyans to unite in condemning any statements that undermine the court's authority.
