A former Judicial Service Commission (JSC) vice chair has filed a formal petition with Chief Justice Martha Koome regarding Isaac Ruto's alleged lack of political neutrality, demanding his immediate resignation. The complaint stems from Ruto's participation in United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party meetings, including a National Governing Council session at State House. This is seen as a threat to the independence of Kenya's judiciary.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) faces a major controversy following a petition filed by its former vice chair, who served as a commissioner and deputy from 2019 to 2024. The petition, received by the Chief Justice's office on January 27, 2025, claims that Isaac Ruto, appointed as a public representative to the JSC on June 15, 2023, has attended United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party meetings, including the most recent National Governing Council (NGC) session at State House. This is alleged to violate Kenya's Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and the JSC code of conduct, which prohibit members from engaging in partisan politics to protect public trust and judicial independence. According to Article 171(4) of the Constitution, JSC members shall hold office provided they remain qualified, while the Judicial Service Act of 2011 restricts political involvement. The petitioner notes that during his tenure, the commission routinely excluded judicial candidates involved in politics to prevent partisan influence. Isaac Ruto has openly declared his intention to contest the Bomet gubernatorial seat in 2027, putting him in a precarious position. He serves on key JSC committees, including the Human Resource Management Committee, Finance, Planning & Administration Committee, and the Committee on Administration of Justice. The petition states that it is unprecedented for a JSC commissioner to associate openly with a political party while in office. The petitioner demands that Ruto recuse himself from the remaining judicial position interviews and resign immediately for the good of the judiciary and the commission. This development raises questions about safeguarding Kenya's judicial independence from political interference.
