• "The Chief Justice's decision to meet with the President at State House is, in our view, an irresponsible move. If there is to be a dialogue, it should occur in a neutral setting," he said.

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance coalition party leader Raila Odinga has criticized Chief Justice Martha Koome for meeting President William Ruto at State House, saying it was an irresponsible move that compromised the independence of the judiciary.

Odinga said that the meeting, held on Monday, January 22, 2024, to resolve the standoff between the Executive and Judiciary over corruption claims against judges, should have taken place at a neutral venue, not at the seat of the Executive.

"The Chief Justice's decision to meet with the President at State House is, in our view, irresponsible. If there is to be a dialogue, it should occur in a neutral setting," he said.

Odinga said that the meeting was a sign that the judiciary was being held hostage by the executive branch and undermined the public's confidence in the justice system.

He said that the meeting also violated the principle of separation of powers, which is enshrined in the constitution and guarantees the autonomy and accountability of the three arms of government.

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Odinga made these remarks while speaking at Maweni village in Lamu West Constituency, where several leaders, including Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, senators, MPs, and MCAs accompanied him. 

He also launched a water supply development project in the area.