[Chief Justice David Maraga interacts with judges and magistrates during a past event. The Judiciary has come under fire for allegedly taking sides in resolving key political disputes. Courtesy: The Star]
The Kenya Magistrates and Judges’ Association has dismissed assertions made by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto that the Judiciary is favouring Opposition coalition NASA in its rulings.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, the caucus condemned the duo's public spat and onslaught of the courts, noting that judiciary is an independent body that makes decisions and rulings without coercion from anyone.
“The name-calling and insinuations of partiality on the Judiciary and judges, even in political rallies, does of course disturb and even repel all peace-loving Kenyans,” the statement said in part.
“We are deeply aware of our role as guardians of rights, and we know that sometimes we have to tell people, irrespective of who they are, things they may not like to hear. In fact become very afraid for your liberties the moment the Judiciary forms and sustains (unholy) alliances with either the Executive (and) or the Legislature. We must always remain functionally different," the statement continued.
President Kenyatta and DP Ruto made the remarks on Sunday during their tour of Turkana County, where they accused the Judiciary of taking sides in resolving political disputes.