Mutunga denies bribe claims in Cord petition

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga Monday denied claims he was bribed in the presidential election petition filed by Cord leader Raila Odinga.

In a message posted on his Twitter and Facebook accounts, Dr Mutunga complained that the Judiciary has been under attack from Kenyans making inflammatory statements.

“For me, the most hurtful allegation was that I was bribed in the presidential petition. I did not know where to turn. I have never been offered a bribe in my life,” Dr Mutunga said.

“I have no doubt in my mind that anybody who dares offer me a bribe, regardless of status, would be the first one I arrest under the Constitution and laws of this land,” he added.

The CJ led a team of six judges that upheld the election of President Uhuru Kenyatta after Mr Odinga contested the presidential poll results.

Two weeks ago, the Judiciary released the full judgment which was not read in court.

Dr Mutunga said some attackers were making insulting and disparaging remarks meant to undermine him and the court on social media.

“We have been the target of attacks, slander, libel and outright indecent, vulgar and unacceptable abuses. Tanzanians term such abuses matusi ya nguoni. Indeed, today a Kenyan gleefully tweeted that she/he wishes I had died,” said Dr Mutunga.

The CJ said magistrates and judges have rights and the Judiciary is demanding justice from Kenyans.

“I urge Kenyans to give us justice! If you have evidence of our wrongdoing, the Constitution allows you to petition the Judicial Service Commission for our removal,” he said.

The court has also been targeted by opinion writers, legal commentators and disgruntled politicians who do not agree with the outcome of the petition.

Last month, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor threatened to start a legislative process that would send home the six judges involved in the petition.