Maraga sends stern warning to Matiang’i

Chief Justice David Maraga. He has defended the judiciary noting that judges issue orders on the basis of evidence presented before court and urged anyone not satisfied to follow the right channels.(Courtesy)

NAIROBI—Chief Justice David Maraga broke his silence and responded to Matiangi’s allegations that some Judges have taken the opposition’s side.

Speaking to Journalist on Thursday, after attending the East African conference on matters judiciary, the chief justice said Dr Matiang’i had spoken about a matter pending before the Court of Appeal and urged him to let the court do its job.

In defense of the judiciary, Maraga said judges only issue orders on the basis of the arguments and evidence raised before the court.

“It is not true that any judge has been captured by the opposition, as it is being said,” Justice Maraga noted.

Maraga reluctant to comment on the Interior minister’s remarks, said that the orders issued by judges are within their work stipulations and they could make mistakes.

“All am saying is if they make mistakes, let there be an appeal. And when it is filed, wait for the matter to be dealt with.” Maraga said.

Matiang’i ,on Tuesday when he appeared before the National Assembly accused a clique of judges in conjunction with activists and their lawyers of working towards frustrating the government.

“It is an evil clique of judicial officers who want to drag us by the collar through the streets of public opinion,” said Dr Matiang’i.

The CS said that the government will deal with the judges as they plot to embarrass the government and stop state officers from performing their roles.

The comments by Judge Maraga come a day after opposition leader Raila Odinga condemned the minister for “highly irresponsible and reckless statements” against the Judiciary.

Five judges have been marked by the government and accused of fighting the executive by colluding with the opposition and civil societies.