Ruto Hits Back at Raila After Opposing Talks With CJ Koome

President William Ruto has reprimanded Opposition Leader Raila Odinga for opposing the planned talks between the Executive and the Judiciary.

Speaking in Trans Nzoia County, on Wednesday, January 17, the Head of State indicated that he was surprised why Azimio was opposed to the talks yet it was a viable avenue to iron out the differences with the Judiciary.

Ruto further castigated Raila for opposing dialogue with Chief Justice Martha Koome over graft in the Judiciary yet he was among the leaders defending the institution.

He appealed to Raila to set aside his selfish ambitions and allow the dialogue between the Executive and Judiciary to prevail just like he did with the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza talks.

"So you have all heard that this Kitendawili guy (referring to Raila) is opposing talks with the Judiciary. I really do not understand why he is opposed to it."

"When he complained, I agreed to engage him. So why is he opposed to this talks, does that mean Kenya only belongs to him? Ruto wondered.

Speaking in Vihiga, Raila insisted that there is no need for the Judicial Service Commission to hold talks with Ruto.

He noted that there is an active case in court that the Executive has appealed and a ruling is set for January 25.

"Chief Justice Martha Koome says she wants to dialogue with Ruto. That will mark the start of compromising. There is no need for the Judiciary to hold talks with Ruto. The law says that if you disagree with a court decision you appeal," Raila said on Tuesday.

The former Prime Minister said Koome already took a position on the matter, and any dialogue efforts would only further compromise the position of the courts.

"We want to tell the Chief Justice not to compromise the position of the courts. She already took a position and there is no need for negotiations," Raila said.

"If you want to compromise the judiciary and negotiate with the executive over this kind of dispute, then we are saying you are yourself going to compromise this country."

Ruto had earlier vowed to lead the tasks with CJ Koome to address corruption in the Judiciary. The Head of State accused some judicial officers of being used to sabotage his affordable housing and social health care plans.