Leaders must now know humility pays
The tribunal appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of suspended Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza has finally given its verdict.
It recommends that Baraza be stripped of her position as DCJ and deputy President of the Supreme Court because her actions — at Village Market on New Year’s eve — were against the judicial code of conduct and ethics that requires holders of her position to conduct themselves in a manner above reproach even in private.
The tribunal described the manner in which Baraza handled security guard Rebecca Kerubo at the mall as amounting to gross misconduct and misbehaviour. Baraza had been accused of pinching Kerubo’s nose and threatening her with a gun.
What does this verdict mean to leaders holding public offices in the Government? As fit as one might be to hold that position, how they carry themselves outside matters a lot. It should also be a warning to leaders who abuse their positions to threaten subjects thinking they will get away with it. It also sends warning to leaders that we are living in a new Constitutional era where all are equal.
The Constitution provides for equal treatment for everyone regardless of one’s social, political or economic standing. Impunity, just like corruption and bad leadership, has no place in our society.
Baraza case and outcome must be celebrated as part of fruits of the new law. The tribunal might have opened a window of hope for Kenyans that leaders who practice impunity have nowhere to run to. I consider this a major win in fight on impunity. Yes, there is hope we can win over it.
{Nixon Kanali, Nairobi}
Baraza must be ruing the day she allowed her DCJ position, which she had not even enjoyed for a year, to cloud her good judgement. Instead of allowing humility to guide her, she subscribed to the ‘do you know who I am?’ attitude of some of our public servants.
The faster public servants internalise the fact that the Constitution won’t allow misconduct, the better. It’s time they put public service first, act and behave in ways that do not bring into disrepute their offices.
{Otieno Sungu, Via Email}
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