The Judiciary has dismissed claims of an alleged meeting between President William Ruto and Chief Justice Martha Koome.
On October 16, 2024, a news poster alleging that Koome was set to hold a meeting with Ruto at State House went viral online sparking mixed reactions.
According to the poster, Koome and Ruto would discuss the intimidation of judges by Statehouse operatives over Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment as Deputy President.
However, in a rejoinder, the Judiciary dismissed the claims as fake news in an update on social media platform X on Tuesday, October 22.
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Notably, since Ruto took office, tensions between the judiciary and the executive have escalated.
Ruto has publicly criticized the judiciary, labeling it as corrupt and accusing judges of undermining his government's development agenda.
"We will protect the independence of the judiciary. What we will not allow is judicial tyranny and judicial impunity," he said in January 2024.
The Judicial Service Commission has reaffirmed the judiciary's constitutional autonomy, emphasizing its role as a co-equal branch of government.
"The JSC wishes to reaffirm the independence and integrity of the judiciary as a co-equal arm of government, as enshrined in the constitution, and urges all judges and judicial officers to continue performing the judicial duties without fear or favour," JSC said.
Legal experts and civil society groups have called for adherence to the rule of law, warning that executive overreach could destabilize Kenya's democracy and erode public confidence in the judiciary.
