- A petition has been filed in the National Assembly seeking the removal of Isaac Rutto from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)
- The petitioner, Eric Mwirigi, accuses the JSC Vice-Chair of attending a UDA party meeting at State House while wearing party colours
- Former JSC Vice-Chair Macharia Njeru has also written to Chief Justice Martha Koome, demanding Rutto’s immediate resignation
NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto is fighting for his survival at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) after a petition was filed in Parliament seeking his removal from office.
The outspoken politician, who currently serves as the JSC Vice-Chairperson, has found himself in hot water over his alleged attendance at a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting at State House, Nairobi.
Why Isaac Rutto is on the Spot
In a petition filed by Nairobi lawyer Eric Mwirigi, Rutto is accused of gross misconduct for mixing his judicial duties with politics.
The drama unfolded on January 26, 2026, when Rutto was reportedly spotted at a high-profile UDA National Governing Council (NGC) meeting chaired by President William Ruto.
According to the petitioner, Rutto did not just attend the meeting; he was allegedly clad in UDA party colours, signaling open support for the ruling party.
“The respondent’s conduct of attending a political party meeting while serving as a commissioner of an independent commission is a gross violation of the Constitution,” the petition reads in part.
“You Must Resign”
The heat on Rutto increased after his predecessor, Macharia Njeru, weighed in on the matter.
In a stinging letter addressed to Chief Justice Martha Koome, Njeru termed Rutto’s actions as “unprecedented” and dangerous for the country’s judicial independence.
Njeru argued that Rutto’s presence at a political meeting compromises his ability to be a neutral referee in the ongoing recruitment of judges.
“It is unprecedented for a serving JSC Commissioner to openly associate and actively engage in the activities of a political party while still in office,” Njeru stated.
He has demanded that Rutto recuses himself from the ongoing interviews for a Supreme Court judge and 15 Court of Appeal judges to protect the integrity of the process.
What the Law Says
The Constitution is clear that members of independent commissions, like the JSC, must remain apolitical.
Article 172 mandates the JSC to be independent and not subject to control by any person or authority. By associating with a political party, critics argue Rutto has crossed the red line.
If the National Assembly approves the petition, the President could suspend Rutto and appoint a tribunal to investigate his conduct, potentially leading to his sacking.
Do you think Isaac Rutto should resign from the JSC? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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