Religious leaders and civil society organisations have called on the Judiciary and other constitutional institutions to uphold accountability and protect public resources amid an escalating dispute over car grants for judges.

Addressing the media in Nairobi on Tuesday, the groups criticised the proposed vehicle benefit, arguing that public expenditure must reflect constitutional principles of equity, transparency and prudent use of taxpayers’ money.

They urged the Supreme Court to balance judicial independence with public accountability as it prepares to determine the dispute surrounding the taxable car grant for judges.

The organisations estimate that a KSh10 million vehicle grant for each judicial position covered by their analysis could cost approximately KSh2.3 billion before tax, or KSh1.61 billion after tax, every four years. They clarified that these figures are estimates based on available information and assumptions, not confirmed actual expenditure.

The groups questioned the justification of the benefit, particularly amid rising living costs, unemployment, expensive healthcare and school fees, saying public funds could support essential services.

They emphasised that their position was not intended to undermine judicial independence but to ensure that public benefits remain legally justified, equitable and transparent.

The organisations also called on public institutions to respect their constitutional mandates and urged citizens, religious bodies and civil society to sustain peaceful engagement on public spending.

They maintained that no institution should be above the Constitution and that public money must serve the interests of Kenyans.