NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 7 – President William Ruto has challenged the 20 newly appointed High Court judges to serve the people of Kenya with unfailing integrity and commitment.
The President, who spoke State House, Nairobi during the swearing-in of the judges, called on the judicial officers to apply the law with equity as enshrined in the Constitution.
Ruto further stated that serving in a state office is a demanding undertaking underwritten by high public expectations.
Patricia Nyaundi, Diana Kavedza, Sophie Chirchir and Mwaisha Said are among the judges who took their oaths of office.
The Judicial Service Commission said they picked them based on merit, gender, regional balance and affirmative action.
The president reminded the newly selected judges of their oath to honestly serve the people of Kenya, that they would do it with passion and without regard to their race or religion, and that they would not allow fear, bias, or prejudice to influence their decision-making.
“You have sworn that you will diligently serve the people of Kenya and am very comfortable that going through the rigorous process that the Judicial service commission has subjected you in interviews, I have no doubt in my mind that you have what it takes to serve this country with diligence,” he said.
Ruto continued by saying that because Kenya’s constitution is the cornerstone upon which the nation was founded, the judges’ high office requires them to uphold and safeguard it at all times.
He reminded them that the judiciary is an institution that should be treated with respect and dignity while carrying out its job as the third arm of the government. He also urged them to promote the institution’s independence and fairness
“As you discharge all your responsibilities, as you consider issues that come before you, always remember that you serve in the judiciary of Kenya, we want the judiciary dignified, respected and we want the judiciary that promotes the values of our nation,” he said.
“And so, it is your responsibility individually and collectively to ensure that our judiciary is fair, independent, competent and above all serves with integrity.”
Heston Nyaga, John Chigiti, Peter Mulwa, Lawrence Mugambi, Gregory Mutai, Robert Wananda, Samwel Mukira, Francis Ochieng, Fred Mugambi, and Dennis Magare were among those who took the oath of office.
There were others among them, including Patricia Gichohi, Josephine Mongare, Patricia Nyaundi, Diana Kavedza, Sophie Chirchir, Mwaisha Said, Florence Macharia, Teresa Achieng, and Aleem Visram.
Since he assumed office on September 13, Ruto has presided over the swearing-in ceremony twice.
Ruto presided over the induction of six Court of Appeal justices who had been rejected by his predecessor Uhuru just one day after taking the oath.
