Nandi Senator Advocates Halving Judiciary Budget Amid Allegations of Executive Interference in Law Society Elections

Nandi Senator has announced that slashing the Judiciary’s budget by half, amounting to sh 23 billion, will be a primary agenda item when they reconvene for plenary sessions this week.

The vocal member of the United Democratic Alliance cited frustration with the Judiciary’s rulings, which they perceive as hindering the fulfillment of pre-election promises under the Kenya Kwanza initiative. He expressed intent to retaliate against what he sees as the Judiciary’s alignment with government critics, thereby impeding development efforts since the administration took office two years ago.

“The foremost priority upon our return to plenary session will be to halve the Judiciary’s budgetary allocation of sh 23 billion,” disclosed Cherargei.

He criticized the Judiciary for allegedly collaborating with vested interests to obstruct key projects promised by the Kenya Kwanza administration during the previous general election.

Cherargei made these remarks during a fundraising event for the construction of a dining hall at Metkei Girls High School in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Saturday. The event, which raised nearly sh 10 million, was overseen by the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperative and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Simon Chelugi.

Additionally, Cherargei emphasized their intention to influence the upcoming Law Society of Kenya (LSK) election to ensure that elected officials are sympathetic to the government’s agenda.

“We will ensure that individuals elected to represent lawyers’ interests in the upcoming Law Society of Kenya elections are supportive of the government’s development initiatives,” he asserted.

He further stated that the government is closely monitoring developments within the LSK and will provide support to ensure that only officials aligned with the administration secure victory in the election.

These comments follow concerns raised by LSK presidential aspirants regarding alleged executive interference in the upcoming election. Aspirants such as Peter Wanyma urged the government to refrain from involvement in LSK affairs, emphasizing that the LSK is apolitical.

Other contenders in the LSK presidential race include Faith Odhimbo, Carolyne Kamende, Harrit Njoki Mboce, and Bernard Ngetich Kipkoech.