Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Vice Chairperson Isaac Ruto is facing a storm of criticism after he was seen attending the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Governing Council meeting convened by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, January 26, 2026. His presence at the political gathering has reignited concerns about the independence and political neutrality expected of senior judicial administrators.
Critics argue that a senior official of the body tasked with safeguarding the judiciary’s impartiality should not openly participate in high‑level political party events — especially at a venue that represents the presidency. Legal voices have been particularly forceful. Advocate Joshua Malidzo Nyawa said, “Basic constitutional hygiene demands that Isaac Ruto resign from the Judicial Service Commission and pursue his political interests outside the commission. He has no business sitting in next week’s interviews of High Court and ELC nominees.”
Social media commentators also weighed in, with one writing that it was “unprecedented for a JSC Commissioner to openly associate with a political Party. This has huge implications on the independence of the Judiciary. Impunity of the highest order! Very disgusting.” Another argued that the controversy underscored weaknesses in the current constitutional framework, saying that stronger safeguards were needed to prevent politically exposed figures from serving on sensitive commissions.
Isaac Ruto with President William Ruto at State House during United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Governing Council meeting
The UDA meeting at State House — attended by top party leaders, governors, MPs and county assembly members — reviewed the party’s progress in implementing its manifesto and strategised for the 2027 general election. President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to the commitments made in the 2022 UDA manifesto, saying, “In the 2022 UDA manifesto, we made a commitment to the people of Kenya… We are pleased we have been faithful, page by page, chapter by chapter, in the delivery of this contract with Kenyans.”
The controversy has struck a broader chord, feeding into ongoing national debates about the politicisation of state institutions and the use of public venues for partisan political activity. Observers say the situation raises questions about institutional independence — particularly as the JSC prepares to interview and appoint key judicial nominees — and whether public confidence in the judiciary might be eroded if senior officials are seen as aligned with political parties.
As pressure mounts, many are watching to see whether Ruto will step down from the JSC or if there will be calls for legal or constitutional reforms to clarify the role of public officials in political life. The episode has become a flashpoint in Kenya’s evolving political landscape as the nation approaches a pivotal election cycle.
