JSC Vice Chair Isaac Ruto move to attend UDA’s NGC meeting draws criticism

Former Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Vice Chairperson Macharia Njeru protested to Chief Justice Martha Koome, raising concerns over what he describes as the open participation of JSC Vice Chairperson Isaac Ruto in partisan political activities.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice in her capacity as JSC Chairperson, Njeru cited media reports and images showing Ruto attending meetings of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), including the party’s National Governing Council meeting held at State House in Nairobi.

A similar concern was raised by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) which said it was protesting in the public interest pursuant to the constitutional values of accountability, integrity, and the rule of law.

“We respectfully request that the Commission convenes an urgent sitting to deliberate on serious concerns relating to the conduct of two Commissioners — Hon. Isaac Ruto and Mr. Omwanza Ombati – which, if established, may amount to violations of constitutional and statutory standards governing State officers and members of independent commissions.”

On his part, Njeru said the move by Ruto is a threat to the independence of the Judiciary.

“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, adding that such conduct “flies in the face of the express provisions of the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act and the applicable codes of conduct.”

Njeru warned that the alleged actions pose “a serious threat to the independence of the Judiciary,” noting that political neutrality is a cornerstone of public confidence in the judicial system.

Drawing from his experience at the Commission, the former Vice Chair said that during his tenure, active involvement in partisan politics was a key factor used to exclude candidates from being shortlisted 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, doing the very same thing that is frowned upon is unacceptable.”

Njeru further said it was clearly understood among commissioners that they could not engage in partisan politics while serving at the JSC, adding that he was not aware of any policy changes allowing such conduct.

“I do not believe the policy at the Commission has changed,” he wrote.

In the letter dated today, Njeru formally requested the Chief Justice to place the matter before the full Commission for deliberation. He said he expects Ruto to recuse himself from ongoing judicial interviews and ultimately step down from the Commission.

“My expectation is that Hon. Ruto will exclude himself from participating in the remaining interviews for judge positions and proceed to resign from the Commission altogether with immediate effect, for the greater good of the Judiciary and the JSC,” Njeru said.

The JSC plays a central role in the recruitment, discipline and oversight of judicial officers, making political neutrality among its members critical to maintaining public trust in the justice system.