Supreme Court Judge, Justice Isaac Lenaola, has strongly criticized the Executive and the Legislature for prioritizing political legislation over enacting laws that address pressing issues for citizens.
He expressed concern over the government’s failure to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), highlighting the prolonged inaction as a critical problem.
Justice Lenaola Questions Government Priorities
Speaking candidly, Justice Lenaola lambasted the government for neglecting the IEBC’s reconstitution, even though close to two years have passed since the commission’s previous members left office.
“I do not understand why, for example, we are busy passing legislation very quickly on other subjects that are politically important, but we do not look at what is extremely important for this country—the electoral commission. How can a country like ours stand on its feet if it does not have an electoral commission?” he remarked.
Concerns Over Judiciary’s Online Filing System Collapse
Justice Lenaola also questioned the failure of critical systems during former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings. While addressing a regional conference on the use of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and social media in elections, he highlighted a suspicious failure of the Judiciary’s online filing system during the case.
“Those of you who followed the Riggy G saga will remember that at some point the (Judiciary) online filing system went down. I want you to carry this question into 2027. Why did that online platform collapse? Why did the firewalls that we created before 2022 suddenly become vulnerable? Imagine what will happen in 2027. I will say no more,” Lenaola said.
This incident was in sharp contrast to the swift impeachment and replacement of the former Deputy President.
Rallying Kenyans to Push for Action
Justice Lenaola urged Kenyans to actively demand accountability from the government. He encouraged citizens to utilize social media and other platforms to compel the Executive and Legislature to focus on legislation that matters to the public.
“I am one of those judges who is not limited… I speak my mind… si Samburu ni hapa tu… why don’t we use social media to impact legislation? For instance, why don’t we have a hashtag, #AppointIEBCNow, and spread it?” he asked.
Justice Lenaola warned that the continued delay in reconstituting the IEBC could leave the commission unprepared for the 2027 elections. He also pointed out that this inaction has already led to 11 by-elections failing to take place, leaving some Kenyans without representation.
Public Support for Justice Lenaola
The judge’s bold speech resonated with many Kenyans, who took to social media to praise his courage.
Ekuru Aukot tweeted: “Samburu moja Justice Isaac Lenaola, wapi wewe? Kuja nikununulie maziwa ya ngamia kutoka Turkana. Umeongea kama wakenya wote 60 million. Mungu akulinde.”
Stephen Mutoro stated: “I agree with Kenya’s (future Chief Justice) and respected SCJ Hon Isaac Lenaola. As a country, we must have IEBCKenya in the public interest.”
Nelson Havi added: “The beauty about a revolution (I am speaking to those who have read on the French, Bolshevik and Cuban Revolutions and excluding those in government with fake degrees) is that when it is time, all with brains in their cranium join in. Welcome on board, Justice Isaac Lenaola.”
Justice Lenaola’s remarks have reignited the conversation on the urgent need for government accountability and prioritization of issues that directly impact citizens.
