Graft cases to be pursued vigorously, CJ Maraga says

Graft cases will get priority and be disposed expeditiously, Chief Justice David Maraga has said.

Justice Maraga reiterated that the judiciary is ready to deal with corruption cases vigorously and to their logical conclusion.

While speaking spoke on Tuesday in Mombasa during the official opening of a five-day annual conference for environmental and land court judges, the CJ warned judicial officers against being involved in corruption, saying such officers will carry their own cross.

'NO MERCY'

“I have no room for corrupt judicial officers. Know that you are alone if you are corrupt and expect no sympathy, mercy or protection from my office,” he said.

He added that those found culpable will not escape punishment,” he said.

The CJ said that all cases of corruption that are found to have a basis will be pursued vigorously to their logical conclusion.

He revealed that he had a meeting with judicial officers handling graft cases and asked them to expeditiously hear and determine the cases on priority basis.

He said that under his leadership, the judiciary is ready to facilitate magistrates handling the cases to ensure such cases are heard expeditiously.

Justice Maraga at the same time said that even if the judiciary is discharging its mandate as far as corruption is concerned, all the agencies involved in the war against graft must play their role effectively to ensure that war on corruption is won.

“We are up to the task, what we are asking is that all the agencies involved in fighting corruption such as Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the police to do their bit,” he said.