Chief Justice David Maraga has asked judges and magistrates not to allow suspects facing grave charges to hide their faces while appearing in court.
Maraga said his attention has been attracted to a trend whereby those charged appear in court spotting goggles and hoods to hide their identity.
The apex court’s president said as much as suspects have a right to privacy, such a right must not in any way protect an individual from being physically attached to a crime.
“While the right to privacy must be protected at all times, the due process of the administration of justice may well be hampered if suspects in criminal matters are not easily identifiable and connected physically to the charges they are facing especially while taking plea,” the CJ said in a press statement.
Though letting judges and magistrates exercise their control and independence, Maraga cautioned them against being the weak link in the war against criminal activities in the country.
“While exercising your individual and independent control of your courts, you must ensure that you are not seen to be perpetuating impunity by allowing egregious behavior by the suspects, particularly when such behaviour could bring the court to disrepute,” Maraga added.
KRA employees who are facing charges of fraud and misuse of office, caused a stir recently after they appeared in court wearing hoods and dark glasses which concealed their identities.