Attack on judge is dangerous for the integrity of Judiciary

(Photo: Courtesy)

The malice, irrational and ethnically motivated attack directed at Justice Odunga, the head of Judicial Review Division of the High Court of Kenya, is disheartening and impinges on the integrity of the Judiciary. Judges are accountable to the law, not to special interests or political pressure.

While recognising the right of elected officials to exercise their freedom of speech under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, it is grossly improper for them to personally attack members of the Judiciary through statements that question the dignity of the judge, or imply personal bias as the basis of a judicial ruling. Elected officials must take the lead in showing respect to judges, even if they disagree with specific judicial decisions.