Human rights group pushes for stiffer penalties for disobeying court orders

Kenya Human Rights Commission Executive Director George Kegoro addressing the media at a past event. (File, Standard)

Senior Government officials who disobey court orders could soon face stiffer penalties if a petition by a human rights watchdog succeeds in the High Court.

Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is challenging provisions of the Contempt of Court Act, which limits punishment to six months in jail or a Sh200,000 fine, arguing it takes away judges’ independence.