President Ruto criticises courts, calls some rulings 'judicial overreach'

President William Ruto has sharply criticised the Judiciary for a series of court decisions that, he says, have stalled or overturned key government initiatives.

Speaking on Wednesday at State House, Nairobi, during the swearing-in of 15 newly appointed Court of Appeal judges, Ruto expressed concern that several judgments have frustrated government policies, affecting ordinary citizens.

“I have been candid about this reality and, on several occasions, questioned judicial decisions that appear to hinder critical public policy. Some rulings seem to cross into the realms of judicial overreach, or even, as some say, tyranny,” Ruto said.

He noted that while his government respects the rule of law and complies with court orders, some judgments have far-reaching implications on public welfare and the economy.

Recent rulings include the invalidation of his 2025 appointment of 21 presidential advisors for failing to consult the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, as well as temporary suspensions of the National Infrastructure Fund and nullifications of executive orders aimed at public service reform.

“We need to speak honestly and candidly about the consequences such decisions have on the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans,” Ruto said.

The President also disclosed plans to formally seek legal clarification on the role of political party manifestos in guiding government policy.

“Help me understand the place of a policy document called a manifesto,” he said. “I want to understand when the people vote for a manifesto, which is endorsed as a policy document, where that manifesto stands when implementation is challenged, sometimes to the detriment of millions who voted for it.”

Ruto spoke in the presence of Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and other senior judicial leaders.

The newly appointed judges include Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, senior advocate Katwa Kigen, and High Court Judge Chacha Mwita, among others.

The judges are expected to ease pressure on the Court of Appeal, which has been handling a surge in constitutional petitions, election disputes, and complex commercial cases.