President of the Supreme Court and head of Judiciary David Maraga has accused the state of deliberately embarrassing his office despite its immense power.
On Monday, Maraga cited incidents which he insists demean his office and persona, arguing that there is a plot to sabotage him.
When attending State House events, he said, he's kept waiting outside the gate for longer hours than even his juniors.
According to the CJ, ministers and principal secretaries who are ideally his juniors, are given priority than him against the protocol dictates.
"When I go to State House, I am forced to wait outside for longer hours. Ministers are cleared ahead of me even the principal secretaries," said Maraga.
Also, Maraga questioned the goverment's decision to block him from acquiring fuel guzzlers despite the fact that other state officials use them.
The CJ seemed to hit at the Interior and Coordination ministry, also wondering why Inspector of Police was keen to sideline him on VIP escort protocol.
“Judges and Magistrates will not be vetted, it will only happen if it is countrywide and involves other government officials. We are tired of being the punching bag all the time…Judiciary does not interfere with other arms of govt…Why are they interested in our affairs? It is because they want to control the Judiciary," he said.
Maraga protested the decision by the government to trim Judiciary's budget from Sh14 billion to Sh11 billion, arguing that the move is a plot to sabotage Judiciary operations.
Justice James Makau last week blocked the goverment from reducing Judiciary budget until the case filed is heard and determined.
“Pending the hearing and determination of this case, an order is hereby issued restraining the National Treasury, its agents, officers or any persons from implementing a September 24 circular or issuing any unwarranted directive with the same effect on the judiciary's budget,” said Justice Makau.