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Inside Ruto-Raila Plans to Overhaul Judiciary and Police Forces

Published

5 months ago

July 10, 2024

In a significant development shaping Kenya’s political landscape, leaders from both the Ruto and Raila camps have unveiled ambitious plans to reform the country’s judiciary and police forces.

This initiative comes against a backdrop of heightened public scrutiny and calls for transparency and accountability in law enforcement and judicial processes.

The proposals put forth by Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga underpin their respective visions for Kenya’s future governance.

Central to these plans is a commitment to addressing systemic challenges that have long plagued the judiciary and police, aiming to restore public trust and enhance the institutions’ effectiveness.

Will Ruto-Raila Plans Address Key Issues Raised By Gen Z?

In response to widespread protests by Gen Z and calls for dialogue from President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, the Kenyan Senate has put forward significant reforms.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi presented these proposals to tackle corruption, government inefficiency, and unfair public appointments, which have fueled the unrest.

They also address concerns about the lavish lifestyles of Kenya Kwanza leaders, high unemployment rates, and rising living costs in their motion titled “The Current State of the Nation.”

Key Proposals vs Issues

The Senate proposes a thorough plan to calm unrest and promote accountability.

One main recommendation is urging the National Assembly to quickly review the presidential memorandum rejecting the Finance Bill 2024 completely.

This legislative step is paired with a requirement for immediate cost-cutting measures across all government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as ordered by President Ruto.

Additionally, the Senate stresses the importance of stronger actions by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other agencies from various sectors to fight widespread corruption.

Addressing Police Conduct and Public Concerns

To address public concerns and maintain peaceful protests, the Senate has urged the National Police Service to stop abducting people, making illegal arrests, and carrying out extrajudicial killings.

The directive emphasizes the need to handle demonstrators calmly and uphold their human rights.

The Senate has also called for releasing promptly those detained during peaceful protests about passing the Finance Bill.

To reduce the impact of protest violence, President Ruto and Raila’s team have suggested waiving hospital bills for the injured and covering funeral costs for those who died.

Judicial Response and Conclusion

Lastly, the Judiciary has been called upon to expedite all court cases linked to the Finance Bill and ensuing protests.

This move aims to ensure swift justice and uphold the rule of law in resolving grievances.

As these proposals unfold, their implementation will be crucial in shaping Kenya’s political landscape and meeting the demands of its youth demographic.

Continued dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders are essential to achieving lasting reforms and fostering a more stable socio-political environment for the future.

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