Chief Justice David Maraga backs judge on verdict

Chief Justice David Maraga defended High Court Judge Hellen Wasilwa's decision to jail doctors' union officials.

He termed the one-month sentence for contempt "very understanding and lenient" given the judge had deferred the jail terms twice.

Mr Maraga said this was a sign of goodwill because Justice Wasilwa understood the gravity of the matter at hand. He said judges and magistrates are independent and make their decisions based on law and evidence provided.

Speaking in Mombasa when he opened a magistrates and judges' workshop, the CJ said: "The courts' orders will be enforced regardless of whoever is affected."

Yesterday, the Court of Appeal released the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union officials to allow them to negotiate with the Government.