CJ David Maraga says he's not Jubilee reward to Kisii community

Chief Justice David Maraga has distanced himself from claims that his appointment was politically instigated.

Justice Maraga, in a statement on Monday, dismissed claims that his appointment was a reward to the Kisii community and categorically stated that he will not engage in any political activity.

Reports carried in the media alluded that President Kenyatta on March 21 had asked the Kisii Community to support his re-election because he had considered one of their own for a job.

“My office requires me to be apolitical and I have not and will never involve myself in any political activity,” the chief justice said, in a statement, moments after chairing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) sitting, in Nairobi.

The meeting that was chaired by Justice Maraga in his capacity as the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, was convened to discuss a range of issues, including the implications of the president’s statement.

KENYA'S STABILITY

Justice Maraga said he was fully aware of how critical the Judiciary is in securing Kenya’s stability and would be the last person to do anything that would undermine public confidence in the institution.

“I would urge other players in the political and media scene to help me in this regard and refrain from making statements or reports that wrongly project me and the judiciary as partisan,” Justice Maraga said.

Justice Maraga said, the claims have continued being peddled around as if they are the truth and in total disregard of their destructive effect on the perception of the independence of the judiciary.

He said the process was conducted in a professional and transparent manner by the JSC — the second time it was doing so in 5 years — in strict accordance with the constitution.

Justice Maraga said he will defend the independence and integrity of the judiciary and judges from all manner of individual and institutional transgressions that may be thrown their way.

NOT NEGOTIABLE

The commission secretary Anne Amadi said Justice Maraga landed the job, in accordance with the recommendations of the commission, and subject to the approval of the National Assembly.

“JSC has had the opportunity to review and evaluate the statement by the Head of State and takes the view that the remarks during the said political meeting could, and had in fact, been misconstrued to imply a political hand in the appointment of the Chief Justice. This is unfortunate, erroneous and substantially misleading to the public,” said Ms Amadi.

“For avoidance of doubt, JSC reiterates that the independence of the Judiciary as clearly set out in Article 160 is fundamental, paramount and not negotiable,” Ms Amadi assured Kenyans.

The Judiciary, she added, in exercise of its authority, is only subject to the Constitution and the law, and not to any person or authority.