Attorney General Githu Muigai criticises Judiciary over injunctions

High Court Judge Fred Ochcieng (left) with Attorney General Githu Muigai (right) at tea break ater the latter officially opened the annual Judges conference at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort. Muigai has accused some judges of issuing injunctions against mega-infrastructural projects. (PHOTO: GIDEON MAUNDU/ STANDARD)

Attorney General Githu Muigai has accused some judges of issuing injunctions against mega-infrastructural projects.

The AG also accused labour courts of interfering with the appointment of parastatal board members and disclosed that the Executive is concerned about the trend.

"The injunctions issued against major infrastructure projects without considering the ramifications on the development of the country is a big concern. Such delays are deemed political," he said.

He said there was a need for the Judiciary to assess the impact of such orders, adding that the use of contempt powers against Principal secretaries was also of concern.

"Parastatal appointment has become a matter of litigations. Board members always run to the labour court to be reinstated even after new members have been gazetted," said Muigai.

The judges accused the Executive of failing to adhere to court orders. Both sides however agreed there is need to discuss how the issues should be handled.

"Stability of the nation depends on the consistency of the rulings delivered by the courts. Unpredictable Judiciary is very dangerous to the country. If the Judiciary is weak, no one will be safe," he said.

President of Court of Appeal Kariuki Kihara said appointment of Chief Justice should be hastened to end anxiety in the Judiciary and instil confidence in the public.

"Public confidence will depend on how we handle the transition in the Judiciary and the appointment of the Chief Justice," said Justice Kihara.