Operation Linda Jamii on Tuesday filed a petition at the Milimani High Court seeking orders to have Ruto withdraw and formally apologize for his utterances against Sugar cartels.
In court documents, Operation Linda Jamii argued that Ruto’s utterances border on cold-hearted death threats by the President who is supposed to be a symbol of national unity.
“The President’s comments if not retracted and an official unconditional apology proffered, will create a perception in Kenya that undermines judicial independence and will also see the rule of law disrespected without a recourse,” the group submitted.
While acknowledging that issues bedeviling the sugar sector required immediate intervention from relevant powers, Operation Linda Jamii submitted that the direction that the Head of State took was a dangerous and populist way to address the concerns.
According to the lobby group, the Mambo ni Matatu remarks not only amounts to death threats but also undermines the principles of the rule of law.
The lobby group also holds that the remark undermines the separation of powers doctrine and the checks and balances systems enshrined in the Constitution.
In the petition, the group highlighted the decision by billionaire industrialist Jaswant Rai to withdraw a case challenging the leasing of the Mumias Sugar Company at the Appellate Court casting doubts as to whether the move was voluntary or triggered by the threats.
The lobby group therefore questioned the efficacy of the justice system, which mandates the resolution of legal matters in accordance with established rules and principles.
