Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimo la Umoja One Kenya coalition party, has cautioned the Judiciary against engaging in negotiations with President William Ruto's executive branch.
On Tuesday, during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party recruitment drive in Vihiga County, Mr. Odinga stated that the discussions risk jeopardizing the Judiciary, which he maintains should continue operating independently.
"There is no need for the Judiciary to negotiate with President Ruto. The Chief Justice is talking about having a dialogue with the Executive, which is not an active case in the court, that is how to compromise justice. Let the judges do their things independently," said the Azimio leader.
The former prime minister further criticized the President for disobeying the Judiciary, noting that one may file an appeal if one disagrees with a court decision.
Did you read this?
In addition, he urged Kenyans to uphold the Constitution with steadfastness.
Chief Justice Martha Koome requested a meeting with President Ruto on Monday during a Judicial Service Commission (JSC) media conference to discuss any Executive concerns with the judicial branch.
"He might have received information because we have various machinery and agencies for collecting information, and we would like to engage him so that he can give us that information. We will be looking out for that dialogue we have written, and I believe that the President will give us an appointment," said Koome.
On Tuesday, while on tour in Nandi County, at Tinderet Integrated Technical and Trainers College, President Ruto consented to have discussions with the Judiciary.
"I want to tell the Chief Justice that I am ready for a meeting with the Judiciary, Executive, and Legislature. The leadership of the Executive, led by me; the leadership of the Judiciary, led by the Chief Justice; and the leadership of the Legislature, led by our Speakers," said Ruto.
"I welcome the conversation between the Executive and I am going to lead from the front in that conversation so that we can deal with the monster that is destroying our country, and so that we can deal with those who benefit from the status quo...the vested interest who have taken our health hostage, who don't want us to change the system to make it transparent."
