Former JSC Vice Chair Petitions Chief Justice Over Isaac Ruto Political Neutrality
A formal petition has been submitted to Chief Justice Martha Koome calling for the immediate resignation of Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Vice Chair Isaac Ruto over allegations of political partisanship, a move that has reignited debate about judicial independence and ethical conduct within Kenya’s justice system.
The petition, filed on January 27, 2025, alleges that Ruto has violated constitutional and statutory requirements by openly participating in activities of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling party. Central to the complaint is Ruto’s reported attendance at UDA meetings, including a recent National Governing Council session held at State House.
In an open letter addressed to the Chief Justice, the petitioner states: “From images and texts published in the media, Hon. Isaac Ruto has been sighted attending UDA party meetings, the most recent being the National Governing Council meeting at State House.” The letter argues that such conduct is incompatible with the expectations placed on members of the JSC, an independent constitutional body mandated to safeguard the autonomy of the judiciary.
The petitioner, who previously served as JSC Vice Chair and Commissioner between 2019 and 2024, says the actions attributed to Ruto breach the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and the JSC’s own code of conduct. He warns that political alignment by a serving commissioner risks eroding public confidence in the judiciary.
Drawing from his experience at the Commission, the former vice chair notes that political neutrality has long been treated as a non-negotiable principle. “It is unprecedented for a JSC Commissioner to openly associate and work with a political party or actively engage in politics while still in office,” the petition states.
According to the letter, the JSC has in the past disqualified judicial candidates who failed to disengage from active politics, precisely to shield the judiciary from partisan influence. The petitioner maintains that commissioners themselves were always aware that they were barred from engaging in partisan political activity during their tenure, a standard he insists still applies.
Isaac Ruto was appointed to the JSC on June 15, 2023, as a public representative under Article 171(2)(h) of the Constitution. In addition to his role as vice chair, he serves on several powerful committees, including the Human Resource Management Committee, the Finance, Planning and Administration Committee, and the Committee on Administration of Justice.
The petition argues that Ruto’s continued participation in JSC business, particularly in ongoing interviews for judicial positions, could compromise the integrity of the process. It therefore calls on him to immediately recuse himself from all remaining interviews and step down from the Commission altogether. “For the greater good of the judiciary and the Commission, Hon. Isaac Ruto should resign with immediate effect,” the petitioner urges.
While the JSC and Ruto had not publicly responded to the petition by the time of publication, the matter is expected to be placed before the Commission for deliberation. The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of public officers’ adherence to constitutional values, especially the principle of separation between politics and independent institutions.
Legal analysts say the petition could set an important precedent on the limits of political engagement for members of constitutional commissions. As Kenyans await the Commission’s response, the issue has once again placed the spotlight on the delicate balance between individual political rights and the collective duty to preserve judicial independence.
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Former JSC Vice Chair Petitions Chief Justice Over Isaac Ruto Political Neutrality
