Speaking at State House, Nairobi during the swearing-in of 15 newly appointed judges of the Court of Appeal, President William Ruto pledged that his administration would comply with all court orders, even when judicial decisions frustrate government policy.
“I want to give you my undertaking that this administration will not disregard any court rulings. At all times and in all circumstances, we remain guided by one immutable principle: the rule of law must prevail,” said Ruto.
It was a firm statement, delivered against a backdrop of growing public debate over the role of the Judiciary in shaping and at times slowing government action.
The President acknowledged that he has, on several occasions, openly questioned court decisions he believes have interfered with the rollout of key programmes.
“These concerns are neither expressed lightly nor out of disregard or contempt for the court,” Ruto said.
“They arise from a duty to speak honestly about the consequences such decisions have on the lives and livelihoods of the Kenyan people,” he added.
President Ruto stressed that when his government disagrees with a ruling, it has chosen legal channels rather than confrontation.
“Where we have been dissatisfied, we have chosen the lawful path of appeal where available,” he said, adding that defiance of court orders would never be an option.
His remarks come at a time when several government initiatives have been stalled or delayed by legal challenges, often linked to constitutional requirements on public participation. Supporters of the rulings argue they protect citizens from over-reach. Critics say the process has, at times, paralysed urgent policy action.
Ruto intends to formally engage the Judiciary to seek clarity on the legal status of election manifestos once they are endorsed by voters.
Mr Ruto questioned how manifesto commitments, presented to voters and approved at the ballot should be treated when their implementation is later challenged in court.
“When the people vote for a manifesto and it is endorsed as a policy document, where does it stand when its implementation is challenged, sometimes on account of public participation, to the detriment of millions who voted for it?” asked Ruto.
He argued that resolving this question would help shift national debate away from personalities and towards policies, programmes and ideas.
The President also congratulated the newly sworn-in appellate judges, saying their role would be central in strengthening the justice system and improving access to justice.
The expanded Court of Appeal bench is expected to ease case backlogs and speed up the resolution of disputes, many of them involving government policy.
“The courts must be respected. But the conversation about how democracy, law and public mandate intersect is far from over,” said Ruto.
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