Petition Seeks Removal of Isaac Ruto from JSC Over Political Neutrality Concerns

By : Mweru Mbugua 

A petition has been filed seeking the removal of former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), citing concerns over his alleged involvement in partisan political activities that critics say compromise the independence of the Judiciary

The petition argues that Ruto’s continued service under the current circumstances has eroded public confidence in the JSC and other independent institutions, whose credibility depends on strict political neutrality

In a new development, the petition has been formally forwarded to Parliament for consideration. In a letter dated Thursday, the Clerk of the National Assembly confirmed receipt of the petition and stated that it had been transmitted in accordance with constitutional and statutory procedures governing petitions against holders of public office

The move follows concerns raised by former JSC Vice Chairperson Macharia Njeru, who wrote to Chief Justice Martha Koome in her capacity as Chairperson of the Commission, accusing Ruto of openly engaging in activities of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party

In his letter, Njeru cited media reports and images allegedly showing Ruto attending UDA meetings, including the party’s National Governing Council session held at State House. He described such conduct as unprecedented for a serving member of the Judicial Service Commission

“It is unprecedented for a serving JSC Commissioner to openly associate and actively engage in the activities of a political party while still in office,” Njeru wrote. He added that the alleged actions contravene provisions of the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and applicable codes of conduct

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Njeru warned that the reported conduct poses a serious threat to the independence of the Judiciary, noting that political neutrality is essential to maintaining public trust in the justice system

Drawing from his experience at the Commission, the former Vice Chairperson said active involvement in partisan politics had previously been used as grounds to exclude candidates from consideration for judicial appointments

“Continued open and active involvement in politics was a factor used by the Commission to shield the Judiciary from being muddled up in partisan politics,” he stated. “To now have a Commissioner, who is also the Vice Chairperson, engaging in the very conduct that is frowned upon is unacceptable”

He added that it was clearly understood among commissioners that engagement in partisan politics while serving at the JSC was prohibited, and said he was not aware of any policy changes that would permit such conduct