Calls Grow for Isaac Ruto to Quit JSC After UDA Meeting

JSC vice chair Isaac Rutto during the UDA NGC meeting at the statehouse on January 26, 2026. /PCS

Questions have emerged over the neutrality of Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Vice Chairperson Isaac Ruto following claims that he is actively engaging in partisan politics linked to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The concerns were raised in a protest letter addressed to Chief Justice Martha Koome, who chairs the JSC, by immediate former JSC Vice Chairperson Macharia Njeru, who is calling for Ruto’s resignation from the commission.

In the letter dated January 27, 2026, Njeru cites Ruto’s attendance at the UDA National Governing Council (NGC) meeting held at State House, Nairobi, and presided over by President William Ruto, who is also the party leader.

Njeru argues that Ruto’s presence at the meeting compromises the independence of the judiciary and violates constitutional provisions governing the conduct of State officers.

Chief Justice Martha Koome during a past Supreme Court session. /MARTHA KOOME

“This conduct by a State Officer is a big threat to the independence of the judiciary and flies in the face of the express provisions of the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and the applicable code of conduct,” Njeru wrote.

He added that media images and reports showed Ruto actively participating in UDA party meetings, with the State House NGC meeting being the most recent.

“My expectation is that Hon Isaac Ruto will exclude himself from participating in the remaining interviews for judge positions and proceed to resign from the commission with immediate effect for the greater good of the judiciary and the JSC,” he said.

Njeru, an advocate of the High Court, said it was previously understood among commissioners that members of the JSC could not engage in partisan politics while in office.

“I do not believe the policy at the commission has changed,” he added.

Ruto replaced Njeru as JSC Vice Chairperson after Njeru’s five-year term was not renewed. Ruto has since declared interest in contesting the Bomet gubernatorial seat in the next General Election.

By the time of publication, Ruto had not publicly responded to the allegations.

Njeru said it was unprecedented for a serving JSC commissioner to openly associate with a political party or actively engage in politics.

He cited Article 171 of the Constitution, which establishes the JSC and mandates it to promote judicial independence and accountability, as well as oversee the transparent administration of justice, including recommending judges for appointment.

Njeru noted that during his tenure at the commission, candidates for judicial positions were excluded from shortlists if they were found to be actively involved in partisan politics.

“This was primarily to shield the judiciary from being drawn into political contestation,” he said.

“To now have a commissioner—and the Vice Chairperson—engaging in conduct that the commission itself frowns upon is unacceptable,” Njeru added.