President William Ruto has come under fire from Senator Okiya Omtatah of Busia for accusing the Judiciary of corruption and for refusing to provide proof against judicial officials involved in bribery.

Speaking to reporters in Nairobi on Friday, the lawmaker said that the Judiciary's independence must be protected from all acts and inactions, whether administrative or political.

"I look him straight in the eye and challenge him to table the evidence of bribe-taking against any judge or bribe-giving he has against any litigant and let the chips fall where they may," he said.

President Ruto's criticism of the Judiciary, according to Omtatah, was rash, unjustified, and ignorant.


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"Ruto's recent attacks on the Judiciary are most unfortunate, misguided, immature, unhinged, unnecessary, barbaric, satanic and, without a doubt, unconstitutional," he added.

The legislator from Busia declared that all Kenyan citizens and government agencies are subject to the law and that the independence of the Judiciary must be preserved.

"It is in the interest of justice that the integrity of the Judiciary is safeguarded by insulating it from both actions and omissions – be they political, administrative, or otherwise - that could undermine judicial authority (Article 159 of the Constitution) and the independence of the Judiciary (Article 160), and take away from Kenyans the right and fundamental freedom to access justice (Article 48), and to have a fair trial (Articles 25(c) & 50(1))," noted Omtatah.

He warned that the freedom of the press is also under threat from the Executive.


"Since the independent Judiciary in Kenya is under attack by the Kenya Kwanza government, I am sure that the next target will be our free press. And that should concern every Kenyan," said Omtatah.

The outspoken Senator vowed to protect the Constitution and independent institutions at all costs, saying: "The only medicine for tyrants and strongmen is to fight them back. They must be resisted by all means."

Human rights advocates like Senator Omtatah oppose implementing the Finance Act 2023 in courtrooms.

His opposition to the Act resulted in the ruling that one of its main provisions, the housing tax, was unconstitutional.