Why are you so mean with applause? Ruto asks audience at judges' swearing-in ceremony

President William Ruto speaking during swearing in of judges at State House, Nairobi on May 4, 2026/SCREENGRAB

President William Ruto lightened the mood at State House, Nairobi, after he paused mid-speech to question the audience’s subdued applause during the swearing-in of judges.

In a ceremony largely marked by formal addresses and calls for judicial reforms, the President injected a moment of humour when he noticed what he termed as “mean” clapping from guests.

“I was wondering at some point why the people who came here are very mean with their applause,” Ruto said, drawing laughter from the audience.

The Head of State, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony, appeared surprised that family members and friends of the newly appointed judges were not more enthusiastic.

“I thought you came with members of family, and I thought you came with friends, and I thought members of family and friends would appreciate what you have done,” he added.

He then rallied the audience to give the judges a more fitting reception, saying, “Can we have a round of applause for these people?”

The light-hearted moment briefly broke the formal tone of the event, which had otherwise focused on the judiciary’s role in strengthening justice delivery in the country.

Ruto noted that the judges sworn in had spent many years in the legal profession and deserved recognition for their achievement.

“These good people we are swearing in today have spent years, 20 years, 29 years, more than 15 years, and this is a very well deserved occasion for them,” he said.

The President also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary in improving service delivery, particularly in reducing case backlogs.

“The expanded capacity that I see today places a clear responsibility on every institution, including the judiciary, to deliver results,” Ruto said.

He added that the government is keen on seeing progress in the administration of justice, including innovation and adoption of technology.

“We look ahead to the next state of the judiciary and the Administration of Justice Report with keen interest to see decisive progress in reducing case backlogs,” he said.

Ruto also called for new approaches in the justice system, saying, that there is need for innovation, including the effective use of technology and new ways of working to ensure that justice is delivered without delay.

During the ceremony, the President congratulated the newly sworn-in judges and leaders within the legal profession, noting that their roles would be critical in shaping the country’s justice system.

He revealed that he has now sworn in 92 judges in three years, describing it as part of his commitment to strengthening the judiciary.

“It is a commitment that I made to the people of Kenya to work with the judiciary in a manner that will help build its capacity,” he said.