David Maraga reaffirms vow to help Uhuru Kenyatta fight graft

The Judiciary has once again vowed to play its part in combating corruption, rather than shield suspects, in what is becoming Chief Justice (CJ) David Maraga’s rallying call.

At a thanksgiving ceremony in Siaya County, CJ Maraga said he has been telling his team of magistrates and judges to heed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s call for a joint fight against graft to shield Kenyans who have continued to suffer in the hands of selfish individuals.

Mr Maraga spoke at a ceremony hosted by Justice William Ouko at Usenge in Bondo to celebrate his election as president of the Court of Appeal.

"I am happy that this is coming at a time when we have a newly-elected president of the appellate court,” the CJ said.

"I am confident that Justice Ouko's commitment and dedication to his work will assist in a great way," he said.

Justice Ouko was installed to the office on Tuesday by Mr Maraga to succeed Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki who has since been appoint the Attorney-General.

"I want to congratulate you for the honour and confidence your colleagues have bestowed on you," CJ Maraga said.

HIGH PRAISE

Justice Ouko said judges and magistrates will soon be free to focus on other matters once election petitions are cleared in the next few weeks.

Members of the Judicial Service Commission who attended the ceremony lauded Justice Ouko as judge who values team work.

Justice Ouko, a veteran of the Kenyan judiciary, has for three decades worked in and out of the courts.

He was once a deputy registrar of the High Court and had a stints at the Council for Law Reporting before joining the Court of Appeal in 2012.

"Justice Ouko was a perfectionist, dedicated, honest, and very organised person," said Justice Mbogholi Msagha who expressed confidence that he will steer the appellate court to greater heights.

The event was also attended by judges and magistrates, including 11 appellate judges who described Justice Ouko as a deserving and a hard-working officer.

Justice Kathurima M'Inoti recalled their earlier days at the University of Nairobi School of Law and when they later served together in Malindi.

"I first met Justice Ouko when I joined the campus and lived together at Hall 8, room 200. We served in Malindi for two years before moving to Nairobi where we all lived in South B Estate," he said.

Justice Ouko’s family members said he was a loving and kind-hearted man who never tires of assisting those in need.

Despite his busy schedule, his wife Ms Carole Ouko and three daughters, said he has always been available to provide guidance when needed.