By Sarah Omondi
President William Ruto has assured that he will appoint six judges that his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta rejected and preside over their swearing in tomorrow.
The six are High Court judges Aggrey Muchelule, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Joel Ngugi all appointed to the Court of Appeal as well as Chief Magistrate Evans Makori and High Court Registrar Judith Omange were nominated for appointment three years ago but Mr Kenyatta left them out over alleged integrity issues.
Dr Ruto made the announcement during his inauguration as the fifth President of Kenya at Kasarani grounds saying the move was a demonstration of his commitment to independence of the Judiciary.
The Head of State also said he will appoint the Inspector General of Police as the National Police Service accounting officer for financial independence saying it will give police an impetus to fight graft.
Further, Dr Ruto also announced that a 50-kilogram bag of fertilizer will from next week be sold at Sh3, 500 down from Sh6, 500 in efforts to increase productivity for enhanced food security.
“Some 1.4 million bags of fertilizer will be available starting next week and will be sold at 3500 per 50 Kilogram bag,” he said.
“I commit to work hard for all Kenyans regardless of who they voted for and will treat all, including my opponents’ supporters, as my constituents,” he assured.
His government, he said, will form an education reform taskforce to look into the new Competence Based Curriculum adding that public participation of all stakeholders was paramount.
He lauded the security teams for what he termed as commendable job during the electioneering period.
The President said the August 9 elections had many winners but the largest were Kenyans for upholding peace with the electoral agency also hailed for setting new standards.
“I want to thank IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati for standing firm and resisting intimidation, blackmail and bribery,” he said adding that the polls depicted the most exemplary democratic performance.
