COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
Central Organisation and Trade Union (Cotu) secretary general Francis Atwoli has defended Chief Justice David Mararga over allegations that the is taking sides in determining the cases touching on the upcoming August 8 polls.
This is after president Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputed William Ruto during a Jubilee campaign tour in Kabartonjo, Sunday, accused the courts of being used by the Opposition team to delay the August polls.
“You cannot claim independence and use it to interfere with the functioning of the executive and other arms of the government,” said Uhuru.
Atwoli through a statement on Monday said the president’s remarks are regrettable adding that he should not use his power to attack the judiciary.
“The presidency is the highest office in the land and any utterances coming from him will have far-reaching implications compared to any other office nor individual. We expect the president to be above such and continue to live up to his oath of office to protect our constitution while respecting separation of powers and the independence of our judiciary,” said Atwoli in a statement.
“This very constitution compels every Kenyan, all citizens and the government to adhere to rule of law and nobody should resort into condemning any ruling by our courts since these are independent institutions,” he noted.
“Kenya is bigger than all of us. Let us not use our positions and influence to attack independent institutions as such behavior negates the very principle of constitutionalism and we appeal to his Excellency the president and his team not to appear desperate before the elections date,” he added.