Fake news alert! Judiciary denies go slow claims

Chief Justice David Maraga at a past court proceeding. [File, Standard]

Chief Justice David Maraga has now sought the intervention of Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over the circulation of a fake letter purporting judicial officers are on a go slow.

“We have reported the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and to the providers of the various social media platforms with a view to ending this menace once and for all,” the Judiciary said in a statement.

They dismissed the letter as mischievous, adding that the Communications Authority of Kenya, through the Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT), has also been asked to address the issue.

The fake letter widely circulated on social media, argued the officials were protesting budget cuts capping judiciary development expenditure at Sh50 million.

“…Judiciary after consultations has resolved to commence a go-slow in protest of the same immediately. In addition, cases linked to either the Executive or Parliament should face frustrations in court,” it read.

Budget Cuts

CJ Maraga in the recent days has maintained the cuts will lead to the stalling of 70 projects and halt the plans to hire 9 Court of Appeal judges and immensely affect the discharge of justice.

Moreover, he has fingered the Treasury for not trying hard enough to extend the budget funding.

His sentiments were supported by the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA).

Maraga has assured Kenyans the Judiciary will continue to discharge its duties with the usual diligence and dedication