Ruto asks MPs, Judiciary to cease fire

Deputy President William Ruto has called for an end to the turf wars between Parliament and the Judiciary, saying the two should instead concentrate on delivering services to Kenyans.

The two arms of government are currently embroiled in a tussle after Parliament passed a resolution to send six of the Judicial Service Commission members home last week.

The decision by the House could drive the Judiciary, which is broke, into a further constitutional crisis in case the six are suspended.

Last Friday, the Judiciary indicated that it is facing a Sh2.5 billion deficit, which means the commission would be seeking a supplementary budget through Parliament, which is complicated following the resolution and the bad blood between the two organs.

Yesterday, Mr Ruto asked the two arms of government to work together on delivery of services to Kenyans.

He said the three arms of government should not work in isolation, adding that it is their responsibility to ensure delivery of services to the public.

“All of us as leaders serving in either the Judiciary, Parliament or the Executive have been elected by the people with the aim of serving them as enshrined in the Constitution and nothing short of that,” said Mr Ruto.

Put aside differences

The Deputy President said no leader was elected by bad luck or by accident to either the Judiciary or Parliament, and asked them to put aside their differences and take a common stand in serving Kenyans.

“The problems between Parliament and the Judiciary are obvious turf situations, which should be solved as soon as possible and should not be allowed to interfere with government operations,” he said.

Mr Ruto said it is important for leaders to respect the independence of the Judiciary and Parliament by appreciating the role each one of them plays in the common goal of serving Kenyans.

“Both institutions are tasked with the same responsibility of serving the people. What we want is harmony. These turf wars are completely unnecessary,” said Mr Ruto.

The Deputy President — who was speaking at the Nkoroi PCEA Church in Rongai, Kajiado County — said leaders must work together in exploring ways of solving the challenges facing the people instead of undermining each other.

On insecurity, the Deputy President said Kenya and Ethiopia will work together in confronting terrorism.

While acknowledging that ensuring security for Kenyans is the primary responsibility of the government, Mr Ruto urged the public to play a leading role in the war against crime.