Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has voiced concern over what he termed instances of judicial overreach, warning that certain court decisions risk undermining public interest and stalling government policy implementation.
Speaking on Wednesday during the swearing-in of 15 newly appointed Court of Appeal judges at State House, Nairobi, the President emphasized that while judicial independence must be respected, the Judiciary should remain mindful of the broader consequences of its rulings on the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans.
Judicial Decisions and Public Policy
President Ruto noted that on several occasions, the Judiciary has ruled against policies outlined in the ruling party’s manifesto, a document he described as a powerful instrument endorsed by Kenyans through their votes.
“On certain occasions, I have questioned judicial decisions that appeared to impede the implementation of critical public policy priorities, and I have raised concern where some rulings seemed to cross into the realm of judicial overreach, or even tyranny,” he said.
The President announced plans to seek judicial clarification on the legal position of party manifestos in shaping government policies and programmes, arguing that manifestos steer politics away from personalities and toward ideas and solutions.
Respect for Rule of Law
Despite his concerns, President Ruto stressed that disagreeing with court decisions does not equate to contempt for the Judiciary.
“It is the nature of democracy that we will not always agree with every decision of the courts, and I have been candid about this reality,” he said.
He assured judicial officers and Kenyans that his administration has consistently respected court rulings, opting for lawful appeals rather than defiance.
“I want to give you my undertaking that this administration will not disregard any court ruling. Without the rule of law, no policy, no programme, and no government can endure,” he added.
Strengthening Judicial Capacity
President Ruto highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the Judiciary through human resource expansion and increased budgetary allocations.
- In 2022, 11 judges were appointed to the Court of Appeal, four of whom were appointed immediately after Ruto assumed office.
- The latest appointment of 15 judges marks one of the most significant reinforcements in the court’s recent history.
- As of December 2025, the Court of Appeal had a pending caseload of 14,334 matters, with a clearance rate of 68%.
- By March 2026, 60 new High Court judges will have been appointed, alongside 168 Resident Magistrates recruited by the Judicial Service Commission to strengthen grassroots service delivery.
On funding, the Judiciary’s budget has risen from KSh18.8 billion in 2023/2024 to KSh26.9 billion in the current financial year, reflecting sustained government commitment.
Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the Judges Retirement Benefits Bill, now in its final stages in Parliament, aimed at safeguarding judicial independence and ensuring dignified retirement for judges.
Call to Action
With these reinforcements, President Ruto challenged the Judiciary to resolve cases faster, deliver consistent jurisprudence, and issue decisions that balance constitutional fidelity with the realities facing Kenyans.
“These appointments are enhancing judicial capacity where it is most needed and easing pressure across the justice system,” he said, urging the newly sworn-in judges to serve diligently.
Newly Appointed Judges
The 15 judges sworn in include:
- Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi
- Mathews Nduma Nderi
- Linnet Mumo Ndolo
- Enock Chacha Mwita
- Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna
- Samson Odhiambo Okongo
- Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich
- Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa
- Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo
- Brown Murungi Kairaria
- Ahmed Issack Hassan
- Paul Lilan
- Munyao Sila
- Johnson Okoth Okello
- Byram Ongaya
The ceremony was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and several Cabinet Secretaries.
