ICJ calls for probe into corruption allegations in Judiciary

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya has called for a probe into corruption allegations facing the Judiciary.

The Commission chairperson Protas Saendeon Thursday said the allegations made on Tuesday by President William Ruto which have sparked a nationwide debate, need to be looked into.

"ICJ Kenya expresses deep concern over allegations of corruption within the Judiciary. Per the law, such allegations must be thoroughly investigated and substantiated through due process, ensuring the preservation of judicial impartiality," Saende said.

He further urged parties aggrieved by court decisions to air out their issues using the appropriate channels.

"Suppose any litigant, including the Executive, is unsatisfied with the court's decision. In that case, they should seek a different outcome at the appellate court," he added.

Saende also asked aggrieved parties to file a petition, with evidence to support the claims, before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) regarding judges deemed corrupt.

In his remarks on January 2, Ruto accused some "corrupt" judicial officers of colluding with powerful cartels to frustrate state projects.

While assuring Kenyans that the government will protect the independence of the judiciary, the President said, "...he will not allow judicial impunity and tyranny."

Saende, however, said the accusation made by the president in itself undermined the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

Earlier, Siaya Governor James Orengo had told the President that there exist constitutional ways to overturn the judicial decisions aggrieving him.

He discouraged disobedience of the court's decisions.

"There is always a legal mechanism of overturning judicial decisions obtained by fraud or for cleaning a rogue judiciary,' Orengo wrote on his X account.