President William Ruto has assured that his government is committed to supporting the Criminal Justice System.

“I have given my commitment and that of the government to support the Criminal Justice System to ensure it’s not weaponised for political reasons,” he said.

Ruto spoke in Mombasa on Tuesday while opening the 16th Annual general meeting and Africa Prosecutors Association Conference.

He urged prosecutors to remain firm in their line of duty as they are the gatekeepers of the Criminal Justice System.

“Prosecutors must enhance the credibility of the institution by fiercely asserting their independence, consistently demonstrating fairness and being guided solely by the law,” Ruto said.

Noting that Prosecutors are occasionally under pressure for other political considerations, Ruto challenged them to make history by not succumbing to impunity and not towing to political convenience.

Last month, Ruto said that the criminal justice system reforms should be enhanced.

He said this will help catch up with best practices and respond to the "common sense of basic fairness".

Delays in cases, he regretted, are more prejudicial than the eventual penalty on conviction.

Ruto said the use of technology, alternative resolution, diversion and alternatives to prosecution could help achieve justice without burdening the criminal justice system.

The President pledged that even with the prevailing budgetary challenges, the government will mobilise sufficient resources to facilitate access to justice.

He commended the National Council on the Administration of Justice for its emphasis on the enhancement of access to justice by vulnerable groups.