Ruto's early presidency maintained cooperative relations with judiciary, suggesting respect for constitutional separation of powers or calculated deference to avoid confrontation. Chief Justice Martha Koome led judicial appointments and constitutional interpretation; Ruto avoided public conflict with judiciary despite previous tensions under Uhuru (over elections, BBI). Early Ruto era suggested judiciary would retain independence, though whether this would persist if judiciary challenged presidential prerogative remained uncertain. Ruto's business background made him potentially sensitive to contractual rule of law and property protections that judiciary could provide. Early cooperation suggested alignment of interests rather than principled judicial independence commitment.
See Also
Kenya Judiciary and Independence Martha Koome Chief Justice
Sources
- Daily Nation, "Ruto Respects Judiciary," September 2022