A petition has been filed seeking the removal of Isaac Ruto as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), citing alleged involvement in partisan political activities that critics say undermine the independence and credibility of the Judiciary.
The petition argues that Ruto’s continued tenure under the prevailing circumstances has eroded public confidence in the JSC and other independent institutions, whose legitimacy rests on strict political neutrality.
In a new development, the petition has formally been forwarded to Parliament for consideration.
In a letter on Thursday, the Clerk of the National Assembly acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that it had been transmitted in line with constitutional and statutory procedures for handling petitions touching on the conduct of holders of public office
The move comes amid mounting concerns raised by former JSC Vice Chairperson Macharia Njeru, who has written to Chief Justice Martha Koome in her capacity as Chairperson of the Commission, accusing Ruto of openly participating in activities of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
In the letter, Njeru cites media reports and images allegedly showing Ruto attending UDA meetings, including the party’s National Governing Council session held at State House.
He describes such conduct as unprecedented for a serving JSC commissioner.
“It is unprecedented for a serving JSC Commissioner to openly associate and actively engage in the activities of a political party while still in office,” Njeru wrote, adding that the alleged actions contravene provisions of the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and applicable codes of conduct.
Njeru warned that the reported conduct poses a serious threat to the independence of the Judiciary, noting that political neutrality is fundamental to maintaining public trust in the justice system.
Drawing from his tenure at the Commission, the former Vice Chairperson said active involvement in partisan politics had previously been used as a basis to exclude candidates from being shortlisted for judicial appointments.
“Continued open and active involvement in politics was a factor used by the Commission to shield the Judiciary from being muddled up in partisan politics,” he stated. “To now have a Commissioner, who is also the Vice Chairperson, doing the very same thing that is frowned upon is unacceptable.”
He added that it was clearly understood among commissioners that engagement in partisan politics while serving at the JSC was prohibited, and said he was not aware of any policy changes that would permit such conduct.
