A few weeks ago, Kenyans were angered by the Judiciary. This was after the court “poorly” handled Pastor Ng’ang’a’s case, according to opinions of many Kenyans. Many thought the court allowed him to walk free because he is a rich man. Pastor Ng’ang’a was accused of killing a woman in a road accident while he was driving along the Nairobi- Nakuru highway.
They termed the Judiciary as a toothless dog who cannot bite. And that is not the first time Judiciary is coming under such attacks from Kenyans. The judiciary has been accused of favouring the rich. There are many “big fishes” who have embezzled tax payers’ money but they are walking in town as free men. They should be serving jail terms but because they are rich, they continue to serve in big positions in the government. If it happens that they are summoned to appear before a court of law, they only do it for formalities. They can never be arrested. They are above the law.
But the recent news of the arrest of former town clerk John Gakuo will restore the trust in Judiciary. Gakuo was found guilty of abuse of office and breach of procurement laws. He was tussled in a Sh283 Million cemetery land scandal. He was jailed for three years. The case may have taken a long time in court but the verdict is likely to restore the lost trust in the judiciary.
By jailing a rich man, the judiciary has proven that it is powerful. That it can arrest even a “big fish.” The verdict will affect the family and close relatives of Gakuo but it will pass as a brave decision to have been taken by the court. It gives the poor some hope that they can find refuge in the judiciary. The father of the woman who died in Pastor Ng’ang’a’s case will gain strength to continue seeking justice.
The verdict will also remind the rich that they are not above the law. It will also serve as a warning to corrupt government officials who have turned government coffers into their personal bank accounts where they withdraw money at will.