CJ David Maraga: We won't constrain elections

Chief Justice David Maraga and Homa Bay resident Judge Hellen Omondi dance with Kochia Kagan dancers during the commissioning of Homa Bay High Court construction. (Photo: James Omoro/Standard)

The Judiciary will not interfere with preparations for the August 8 General Election, Chief Justice David Maraga has assured.

Mr Maraga said the courts had been swamped with cases from the primaries, including the filing of 16 cases at the Court of Appeal as late as Thursday.

The CJ said the Judiciary had made arrangements to hear all the cases expeditiously so that those who win can have their names included in the list that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) sends for ballot printing.

"Just Thursday, 16 appeals were filed in the High Court... What we did is add some judges to come and hear those matters because we know that at least 45 days before the date of the elections the IEBC should have the entire list so that they can print the ballot papers," he said.

He continued: "As the Judiciary, we do not want to hamper that process. And you know if we interfere with that process in any way, it is going to interfere with elections and there is no question of us not holding a General election on August 8. We must all work together and have the general election held as is required by law."

Maraga's comments came at a time when the National Supper Alliance (NASA) has filed a petition over awarding of a ballot paper printing tender to the Dubai-based Al Ghurair company.

NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga is leading an onslaught against IEBC for allegedly single-sourcing the firm. Opposition leaders claimed the company's officials had close links to the Kenyatta family and and therefore could not be trusted.