CJ Maraga uses judges’ colloquium to address critics

BY TNLM Writer

The Judiciary is committed to ensuring that all the anti-corruption and Economic Crimes cases brought before courts are dealt with impartially, expeditiously and in accordance with the law and the evidence presented, Chief Justice David Maraga asserts.

Observing that this is the only way Judiciary can maintain the confidence of the people it serves, Maraga urged judges to be professional when handling cases and urged other actors in the justice chain to be equally diligent and professional in their work.

“We are meeting at a time when the fight against corruption has gathered momentum and the Judiciary is constantly being challenged to “rise to the occasion”, the CJ said, adding that cases will be dealt in a manner that is both consistent with the Constitution and also advances public interest.

On claims of institutional graft, he cited establishment of automated revenue collection systems in more than 90 percent of the courts, and gazettment of the Judiciary Fund Regulations, which are pending Parliamentary approval, as some of the milestones achieved in curbing corruption in the Judiciary.

“Further, the Audit and Risk Management Directorate has also completed inspection of several court stations and officials who are suspected of financial impropriety are under investigations by the other justice sector players.”

He also used the forum to comment on the enduring debate on budget cuts, and reiterated his call to “Kenyans of goodwill” to stand up to “this affront” to judicial functions and independence.

South Africa Chief Justice Hon Mogoeng Thomas Reetsang Mogoeng, who delivered the keynote address, spoke on in the need for quality justice in African Judiciaries, equality before the law, integrity among judicial officers, judicial case management, the need for accountability in judicial independence and the need to embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

The colloquium, themed “Increasing Speed and Quality of Justice: A Judiciary Service Delivery Agenda”, is held annually to reflect on the jurisprudential developments emerging from the courts and share experiences. More than 120 judges attended.

Other issues discussed during the forum included jurisprudence on injunctions against public institutions, jurisprudence on conservation of water towers in Kenya, effective case management, mandatory sentences as well as judicial discretion.