NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 7 – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged judges and judicial officers to demonstrate patriotism and accountability in the execution of their duties.
He expressed concern over the suspension of government projects by the judiciary, suggesting that such actions were aimed at undermining crucial government programs through legal means.
The Deputy President emphasized that judicial officers must consider their social contract with the people and refrain from obstructing government projects through legal challenges.
“We call upon them to act patriotically and to consider the welfare of fellow Kenyans. While exercising their independence, they should do so responsibly, as it is essential to do so,” stated the Deputy President on Sunday when he joined athletes at the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run National Championships held in Tinderet Constituency, Nandi County.
Gachagua argued that the judiciary should be held accountable for its decisions, much like other branches of government are subject to scrutiny by relevant institutions.
“Somebody must provide oversight for the judiciary because the Executive is overseen by Parliament, and the people oversee Parliament. Who is overseeing the Judiciary? Someone must ensure they are held accountable. They must be willing to accept accountability. We must ask questions,” he stressed, echoing President William Ruto’s call for cooperation in all arms of government.
Ruto has been on the spot in recent days after declaring that he won’t obey court orders he said are obtained through corrupt means.
On Sunday, Gachagua lamented that programs designed to benefit citizens, including the revitalization of the National Health Insurance Fund to provide for their medical needs and the affordable housing project, were facing setbacks in the courts.
Gachagua also criticized the opposition for resorting to prolonged litigation in an attempt to thwart President William Ruto’s flagship projects. He viewed this as a strategy to prevent the President from fulfilling his campaign promises.
“The individuals obstructing the President from executing his development projects are the same individuals who had schemed to prevent him from assuming the presidency. They had employed every conceivable strategy to thwart him. Now, they have devised a new plan through legal means. They have taken the President to court to hinder his service to the Kenyan people,” Gachagua remarked.
Turning to agricultural reforms, Gachagua assured that he is taking comprehensive measures to ensure farmers gain direct access to markets for their produce, thereby maximizing their profits. He called upon the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Simon Chelugui, to expedite the release of the Sh4 billion Cherry Fund Advance to farmers in order to enhance production.
Gachagua also noted that tea earnings have increased thanks to the reforms he has implemented in the subsector.
“Agriculture remains our top priority, and I trust you have observed our efforts,” Deputy President Gachagua concluded.
The Deputy President was joined by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei, Athletics Kenya Chairman Lt (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum, Nandi Woman MP Cynthia Muge, MPs Julius Melly (Tinderet), Maryanne Kitany (Aldai), Abraham Kirwa (Mosop), Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen), Bernard Kitur (Nandi Hills), Paul Biego (Chesumei), Hillary Kosgei (Kipkelion West), Joseph Cherorot (Kipkelion East), Zipporah Kering (EALA), Mountain Run Chairman Peter Angwenyi, Chepsaita Marathon Patron Farouk Kibet, National Police Service Commission Chief Executive Officer Peter Lelei, Nandi County Assembly Speaker Philemon Melly, political leaders including Allan Kosgey, MCAs, eminent athletes, and others.
