Judiciary, Legislature Captured By The Executive – Raila
Opposition leader Raila Odinga asserts that the Executive has taken control of both the Judiciary and Legislature.
Addressing delegates at an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) meeting in Kilifi, Odinga contended that under President William Ruto’s administration, bills have been rapidly approved in Parliament and signed into law without the proper procedural steps, contrary to the practices of previous administrations that adhered to due process.
“Today you see the Speaker going to the State House to witness the President signing the Bill. Shame on them, shame on them! We must condemn this state capture of the institutions of governance,” he stated.
“There’s no debate. You cannot discuss a Bill within two hours…and then they are passed the way they are without amendments and they go to the Executive and they sign it.”
Odinga highlighted that at present, there is a lack of substantial debate, and bills favorable to the government are being approved with minimal or no alterations.
He proposed that an impartial entity should be involved in combating corruption within the judiciary. Odinga emphasized that this approach is crucial for eradicating corruption without jeopardizing the autonomy of the judiciary.
“If there a reforms within the judiciary, then it must be done by neutral institutions. Not the executive, nor the judiciary or the legislature,” he stated.
He also reiterated that the gathering of representatives from the three branches of government at State House undermines the autonomy of the judiciary.
“There is no debate in the current parliament. Bills come from wherever they come and when they get to parliament, the speaker decrees that they must be passed within the next two hours. There is no debate. You cannot discuss a bill within two hours and then pass them the way they are without amendments and they go to the executive where they are signed,” he stated.
On Monday, President William Ruto convened a meeting with Chief Justice Martha Koome and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to explore strategies for combating corruption.
Following the meeting, President Ruto announced that the three branches of government have reached a consensus to collaborate in addressing corruption within their respective spheres.
He emphasized that the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary are committed to employing a comprehensive “whole of government approach” to effectively eliminate corruption.
“I want to promise the people of Kenya that we are united and determined to root out the corruption menace from our country,” he said.
