A petition seeking the removal of Isaac Ruto from the Judicial Service Commission has been formally submitted to Parliament, intensifying debate over the political neutrality of institutions charged with protecting the independence of the Judiciary.
The petition challenges Ruto’s continued membership in the commission, citing alleged participation in partisan political activities that critics say compromise the credibility and impartial role of the JSC. According to the petitioners, the situation has weakened public trust not only in the commission but also in other independent bodies whose authority depends on remaining above political interests.
In a new development, the petition has now been forwarded to Parliament for consideration, marking a key step in the process outlined under the Constitution and relevant laws.
In a letter dated Thursday, the Clerk of the National Assembly confirmed receipt of the petition and stated that it had been transmitted in line with established constitutional and statutory procedures governing petitions concerning the conduct of public office holders.
The petition comes amid growing concern raised by former JSC Vice Chairperson Macharia Njeru, who has written to Chief Justice Martha Koome in her role as Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission.
In his letter, Njeru accuses Ruto of openly engaging in activities linked to the United Democratic Alliance party, conduct he says is incompatible with the role of a serving JSC commissioner.
Njeru cites media reports and images that allegedly show Ruto attending UDA meetings, including the party’s National Governing Council session held at State House.
He describes such actions as highly unusual and inappropriate for someone holding office within the Judicial Service Commission.
“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.
He warned that the reported conduct poses a serious risk to the independence of the Judiciary, stressing that political neutrality is essential to sustaining public confidence in the justice system.
Drawing from his experience at the commission, Njeru said involvement in partisan politics had previously been grounds for excluding candidates from consideration during judicial appointment processes.
“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.”
Njeru further noted that it was a clear and shared understanding among commissioners that engaging in partisan political activity while serving at the JSC was not allowed.
He added that he was not aware of any policy changes that would permit such conduct by a sitting commissioner.
The petition now before Parliament places renewed focus on the standards expected of members of independent commissions and the processes in place to address concerns over conduct and accountability.
As lawmakers prepare to consider the matter, the case is expected to test the strength of safeguards meant to preserve the independence and credibility of the Judicial Service Commission.
