Take this job seriously! Ruto lectures newly appointed judges

President William Ruto speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at State House Nairobi on May 4, 2026/SCREENGRAB

President William Ruto on Monday challenged newly appointed judges to take their roles seriously, warning against complacency and absenteeism in public service.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at State House Nairobi, the President reminded the judges that their appointments come with weighty responsibilities that must be executed diligently and without delay.

Ruto said he had encountered many leaders who, after securing positions of power, fail to deliver on their mandates, urging the new appointees to avoid falling into the same pattern.

“And as I speak to the men and women sworn in today, I have it on the authority of the judicial service commission that each and every one of you applied for the job and came for interview and passed the interview,” he said.

He added that securing the positions was only the beginning, cautioning that some leaders often become reluctant to fulfil the duties they actively sought.

“I come across many leaders in my life as a leader in this nation who step forward, are either appointed or elected or nominated, but then become very reluctant to do that which they applied for or were elected to do,” Ruto said.

The President warned that failure to perform duties undermines public trust and weakens institutions, pointing to cases where officials avoid responsibilities through delays and absenteeism.

“I come across many leaders who, having gotten into office, they escape the duty of that office. They procrastinate, they delay. They absent themselves and sometimes outrightly run away from station,” he said.

Ruto emphasised that judicial office demands commitment beyond formal appointment, noting that the oath taken binds the judges to serve Kenyans faithfully and uphold justice.

“I want to plead with you that the job you applied for goes beyond an appointment letter. You have been sworn in to a mandate, and therefore, please take this appointment and this swearing-in very seriously,” he said.

The ceremony is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Judiciary and enhance service delivery within the justice system, including addressing case backlogs and improving efficiency.

Ruto noted that expanding the number of judges is a key step towards ensuring timely access to justice, adding that the government remains committed to supporting the Judiciary in fulfilling its constitutional role.

He urged the newly sworn-in judges to prioritise professionalism, integrity and accountability in their work, saying their conduct will shape public confidence in the justice system.

The President further underscored the need for dedication and discipline, warning that Kenyans expect tangible results from public institutions, especially the courts.

The new judges are expected to be deployed across various courts in the country as part of efforts to boost capacity and ensure justice is delivered without unnecessary delays.