The Judiciary, on Saturday, March 25, distanced itself from the swearing-in of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) at the State House.
In a press release seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Judiciary insisted that it did not play any role, just like in the swearing-in of Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries.
Further, Judiciary indicated that it did not deploy any officer or judge to witness the swearing-in of 50 CASs appointed by President William Ruto.
"The Judiciary has no role in the swearing-in of Chief Administrative Secretaries. Similarly, the Judiciary does not play any role in the swearing-in of Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries," the Judiciary's statement read in part.
It also called out National Coordinator of the Institute for Social Accountability Diana Gichengo, indicating that she misled the public by insinuating that Judiciary oversaw the function on Thursday, March 23, at State House, Nairobi.
"The statement is grossly misleading and deliberately meant to discredit the Judiciary," Gichengo was castigated.
Moreover, the arm of the government, headed by Chief Justice Martha Koome, assured Kenyans it was committed to protecting the rule of law.
The statement came after High Court issued conservatory orders to the CASs from assuming office.
Justice Hedwig Ong'udi ruled following a petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute. They challenged the legality of the 27 extra CASs, arguing that it was unprocedural.
The High Court further barred the 50 CASs from accessing their salaries and other privileges associated with the position.
"Having read through the annexures, I am satisfied that interim conservatory orders are necessary," the judge ruled.
The CAS, including Millicent Omanga, was appointed in the Interior docket, Dennis Itumbi in ICT, Catherine Waruguru Foreign Affairs and Evans Kidero were sworn in at State House in a ceremony presided over by Head of Public Service Felis Koskei.
President Ruto received a nod to swear in the CAS after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula argued that the House had no mandate to vet them.
