The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced plans for peaceful nationwide protests next week in response to remarks made by the President, expressing concern over potential threats to the independence of the judiciary.
LSK President Eric Theuri emphasized that the protests aim to defend and protect the judiciary and other threatened institutions in the performance of their duties. He urged all members to wear Purple ribbons throughout the week and join the demonstrations organized by the Society in support of the rule of law and solidarity with the Judiciary.
“We must not allow our Constitution to suffer dereliction,” Theuri stated in a Wednesday release.
The society underscored the historical role of the judiciary as a check against executive overreach, asserting that it should be granted space to execute its mandate on behalf of the people of Kenya. It also emphasized that the Executive should not be perceived as attempting to interfere with the operations of the Judiciary.
“The days when the judiciary played second fiddle to the executive are gone,” charged Theuri, emphasizing the importance of an independent judiciary in fostering national growth, stability, and economic prosperity.
The LSK boss reminded the President that the judiciary, through impartial interventions, has nullified a prior presidential election and upheld his own election on another occasion. This highlights the crucial role of a robust and independent judiciary in the country.
Theuri urged the President, as the foremost custodian of the rule of law, to refrain from appearing to undermine the judiciary and instead utilize legal avenues to challenge decisions that he finds aggrieving.
“Public incitement against the judiciary is not only detrimental to our constitutional fabric but also compromises the sanctity of our legal system,” he cautioned.
