Just a day after being sworn in, President William Ruto has presided over the swearing in of the six judges that were rejected by immediate former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The six namely; George Odunga, Aggrey Muchulelule, Joel Ngungi, Weldon Korir, Evans Makori and Judith Omange were rejected by Uhuru, citing integrity concerns, without giving further details.
The inauguration ceremony was organized at the statehouse and after that, Muchelule, Ngungi, Korir and Odunga assume their responsibilities at the court of Appeal while the other two proceed to the environment and land court. Their appointment comes close to three years after being nominated by the Judiciary.
In his speech, President Ruto noted that the move was intended to ensure that the Judiciary operates at a maximum level and making justice more accessible. He also revealed that he had had a discussion with the Chief Justice and the Registrar of Judiciary on the issues and priorities.
“I am aware that there is a need for us to support the Judiciary and in supporting the Judiciary we can not only dispense justice but also make justice less complicated and more accessible… It is important that our Judiciary operates at a maximum level. I am looking forward to supporting the Judiciary so that it can discharge its mandate. It is important that we have an efficient, independent Judiciary,” he said.
He however made an appeal to the Judiciary to help his administration in ensuring that legal matters do not take long to be determined.
“I want to request the Judiciary, on behalf of the people of Kenya, to support my administration in ensuring that corruption cases, commercial cases , land cases are adjudicated and concluded in a timely manner because that way we can promote Kenya as a country that attracts investment. Investors can have more confidence in our country if we can dispense justice in a timely manner,” President Ruto said.
He further noted that his administration will respect the Judiciary and other institutions in a manner that will enable them to deliver their mandate.
Former CJ David Maraga, CJ Martha Koome, her deputy Philomena Mwilu among other officials graced the event.
