MERU COUNTY, Kenya, Jan 27 – National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wa, has issued a stern warning, threatening to withhold budget allocations to the judiciary in response to what he perceives as continuous obstruction of government initiatives.
Accompanying President William Ruto during the launch of the Kieni Kiandege – Mworoga – Maraa road in Meru County, Ichung’wa criticized the judiciary for allegedly being exploited by “rogue” individuals to disrupt the government’s efforts to generate job opportunities for young people through the Affordable Housing Project.
“What we are witnessing today is a case of judicial overreach. They have exceeded their constitutional mandate and are now impeding the executive branch’s work, which includes job creation for the millions of youths in our country,” he asserted.
Ichung’wa went on to caution the president that Parliament might take action to limit the judiciary’s budget, specifically referring to the suspension of additional funds granted to the judiciary during their recent meeting with the head of state in light of the housing levy suspension.
“You, the judiciary, are requesting additional funds, and that can only be approved by Parliament through taxation. However, you have suspended the tax collection process. If it comes before Parliament, we may consider cutting some funding,” warned Ichung’wa.
The Court of Appeal on Friday declared the Housing Levy unconstitutional, pending the outcome of an ongoing appeal process.
“In our perspective, the public interest is best served by awaiting the appeal’s resolution,” stated Justices Lydia Achode, John Mativo, and Mwaniki Gachoka. They further explained that granting a stay at this stage could have significant repercussions if the appellate court upholds the initial decision, potentially affecting actions taken under the challenged laws.
The dispute surrounding the Affordable Housing Project highlights the tensions between the executive and the judiciary, with the threat of budget withholding exacerbating the ongoing dispute.
President Ruto has vowed to appeal the decision.
