David Maraga: We are prepared to pay ultimate price to protect constitution

Chief Justice David Maraga has dared leaders not satisfied with the Judiciary to calls for a referendum and abolish it . Photo: Gerald Anderson, Standard

Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned the continued attacks on judges and stated that the Judiciary is prepared to pay the ultimate price to protect Constitution and rule of law.

Maraga said Judiciary will not be cowed by the attacks that have ensued following the presidential election petition.

While addressing the press at the Supreme Court, Maraga said that if anything happens to the judges or members of their families, those making inciteful statements will be held liable.

“Individual judges, particularly of the Supreme Court, as well as other judicial officers and staff, have been attacked, threatened and negatively profiled on social media.  Senior political leaders have also threatened the Judiciary promising ‘to cut it down to size’ and ‘teach us a lesson’.”

Maraga accused Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet of ignoring calls to ensure members of the Judiciary are safe.

“JSC notes with dismay that the Inspector-General of Police, who is expected to provide security to all Government facilities, has repeatedly ignored calls to act, exposing Judicial officers, property and litigants to danger,” said Maraga.

He said the Judiciary as currently constituted cannot and shall not guarantee a particular outcome to any individual.

He also made reference to a case where Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua was blocked from accessing Kerugoya Law Courts during hearing of her petition against the election of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, terming it intimidation of petitioners.

“It is worrying that these protests are coming up at a time when the Judiciary is preparing to hear 339 cases filed across the country,” said Maraga.