The Judiciary has been under attack ever since the Supreme Court annulled Uhuru Kenyatta’s win following a determination that August 8th presidential election was rigged.
Jubilee party led by its leader Uhuru Kenyatta specifically targeted Chief Justice David Maraga whom they blame for taking their ‘win’ away. Some political leaders even issued threats to the Judiciary.
Speaking at the Supreme Court on Tuesday September 19th while addressing the press, CJ Maraga said that the court will hold individual politicians responsible if anything happens to judges, their staff or family.
“Individual judges particularly of the Supreme Court as well as other judicial officers and staff have been attacked, threatened and negatively profiled on social media. Senior political leaders have also threatened the Judiciary promising to cut to size and teach us a lesson. These attacks are degrading, demeaning and are meant to intimidate, threaten and cow the institution and individual judges. Such acts are not only unlawful but also savage in nature. In view of this unfortunate development, the Judicial Service Commission would like to state that we unreservedly condemn this mindless acts of aggression against the Judiciary and reiterate that if anything happens to the individual judges, staff or their families those making these inciting statements will be held personally responsible,” CJ Maraga said.
The CJ also told politicians attacking the Judiciary to call for a referendum and abolish the Judiciary altogether if they were tired of a strong and independent Judiciary.
“The Judiciary is an arm of government equal to the Executive and Legislature. If leaders are tired of having a strong and independent Judiciary, they should call a referendum and abolish it altogether. Before that happens, the Judiciary would continue to discharge its mandate in accordance with the constitution and individual oaths of office,” Maraga said.
Watch the video below for Maraga’s speech:
