Ruto: Judiciary must prove itself the true temple of justice for all Kenyans

President William Ruto has challenged the Judiciary to prove itself the true temple of justice for all Kenyans by confronting corruption within its ranks and upholding integrity as the foundation of its independence.

Speaking during the Katiba @15 celebrations on Wednesday evening, the Head of State said public confidence in the courts would collapse if the institution was perceived as corrupt.

He pointed to the ongoing debate around terms such as “jury pesa” as evidence of the concerns citizens hold.

“The Judiciary must confront corruption within its own ranks. If the institution mandated to dispense justice is perceived as corrupt, it not only erodes confidence but also undermines the very Constitution it is sworn to protect,” Ruto said.

He urged judges and magistrates to rise to the highest ideals of the Constitution by cleansing the institution and showing Kenyans that independence must be anchored in integrity.

“The Judiciary must rise to its highest calling, to cleanse itself, uphold its independence with integrity and prove itself the true temple of justice for all Kenyans,” he added.

At the same time, the President highlighted what he described as historic support to strengthen the Judiciary, particularly through the appointment of more judges.

He said his administration had provided resources for the hiring of additional judicial officers at the request of the Judiciary.

“So far, in three years, we have appointed and I have sworn in 47 judges. Another 50 are being recruited as we talk. That will make it 97 judges in three years. No other administration has provided such kind of human capital to support our Judiciary,” he stated.

The President’s remarks were delivered as Kenya marked the 15th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution, an occasion celebrated under the theme of deepening constitutionalism and strengthening democratic institutions.

While acknowledging the progress made in expanding access to justice, Ruto stressed that integrity remained the cornerstone of judicial credibility.

His remarks come moments after Chief Justice Martha Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s role as the guardian of the Constitution, declaring that Kenyan courts will continue to stand firm against any abuse of power by state or non-state actors.

Koome said the Judiciary’s fidelity to the supreme law remains unshaken despite persistent challenges.

The CJ was speaking during Katiba Day celebrations, where she underscored the institution’s watchdog role in a democracy where the separation of powers is often tested.

"As Chief Justice, I take this Opportunity to reassure Kenyans of our unwavering fidelity to the Constitution. We shall continue to administer justice without fear or favour, to check abuses of power, and to defend the rights of Kenyans where necessary," Koome stated.