Senate faults Judiciary over interference

Senate has faulted the Judiciary for interfering with the devolution process through the many court orders it has been making.

Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro took a swipe at the Judiciary for interfering with the Senate mandate. Speaking at a leadership forum in Mombasa County yesterday, Mr Ethuro said: “There is a new constitutional dispensation in Kenya and the Judiciary is well aware of that. They need to act in the spirit of the law in its dispensation of justice.”

He said although governors and county assembly members have challenged the Senate’s oversight role over county expenditures, the processes won’t end soon.

“Counties are graduating from ‘traditional’ impeachments to calls for suspension of county governments. These are manifestations of unforeseen institutional turbulence that we must face without fear, ill-will or favour,” he said.

He emphasised importance of various constitutional institutions working harmoniously in fostering devolution. The meeting noted that the Constitution provides for a democratic space for each arm of government to operate freely in exercising their duties.

Ethuro said institutions like Parliament, the Judiciary, the Executive, constitutional commissions and independent offices, civil society organisations and media must work together to protect the democratic gains realised over the years, and nurture devolution.

The Speaker said there are on-going initiatives mooted by the Senate in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, SUNY-Kenya and USAid to promote dialogue and interactive engagements. He also said the Senate in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund is working towards reducing maternal deaths.