• He said Kenya can only be better if we become a country of the rule of law. Any other route leads to anarchy and confusion.
• He added that all Kenyans regardless of their social status are equal before the law.
Image: FILE
President William Ruto has said that there will be no room for impunity in his government.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ruto affirmed that he will deal firmly with impunity while discharging his duties as head of state.
"Kenya can only be better if we become a country of the rule of law. Any other route leads to anarchy and confusion," Ruto said.
“It is the rule of law not rule of man, that is the bare minimum that will make us a respected member of the international community and a society that is at peace with itself,” he added.
The President said all Kenyans, regardless of their social status, are equal before the law.
"Therefore, there must never be the case of the animal farm where there are people who are more equal than others. Even as President, I have limitations and I should respect those limitations," Ruto said.
He spoke shortly after overseeing the swearing-in of six judges at State House, Nairobi.
The judges' appointment has been pending since their nomination by the Judicial Service Commission in 2019.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta had refused to appoint them citing integrity issues.
They are Weldon Korir, George Odunga, Aggrey Muchelule and Joel Ngugi, Evans Makori and Judith Omange of the Environment Court.
Ruto assured the judges of his full support in the execution of their mandate as they embark on dispensing justice in the appellate and environment courts.
He further called on the Judiciary as an entity to support the Kenya Kwanza administration by timely resolving cases brought before it.
The President particularly asked for expeditious resolution of corruption, commercial and land cases whose conclusion has traditionally dragged on for years in the corridors of justice.
"Because that way, we can promote Kenya as a country that attracts investments. Investors can have more confidence in our country if we dispense justice promptly," Ruto said.
He reiterated his remarks that he will respect the independence of the Judiciary as he embarks on delivering on his campaign manifesto.
"My administration will respect the independence of the Judiciary and all the other institutions in a manner that makes them efficient to deliver on their respective mandates," Ruto said.
He added that he will be open to dialogue and consultation whenever there will be issues between institutions to ensure the country achieves its highest potential.
"There is always a mechanism to resolve whatever issues that may arise in the course of all of us discharging our separate mandates. There's room in the Constitution for engagement," Ruto said.