The newly launched Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division at the High Court will be headed by Lady Justice Helen Ong’undi.
Chief Justice David Maranga who launched the court as well as the Practice Directions guiding the prosecution of economic crimes in Kenya at the Milimani Courts on Thursday, said the move will end blame games.
This was in the presence of the Attorney General and other senior ranking officials who are involved in the fight against graft.
The establishment of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court is aimed at ensuring effective case management and expeditious disposal of cases involving corruption and economic crimes while the proper functioning of the division will be fundamental to the success of combating corruption in the country.
The Chief Justice while launching the Practice Directions or guidelines stated that courts would no longer entertain stay orders and adjournments as these were aimed at delaying the course of justice.
“Plans were underway to establish an International and Organised Crime Division that would try selected criminal cases,” he confirmed.
Justice Maranga was categorical that blame game in the fight against corruption must end and stated the need for thorough investigations as well as submission of evidence as being critical in the successful prosecution and completion of cases.
Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai observed that the launch of the Practice Directions for the Division was expected to accelerate the conclusion of the criminal and corruption cases before courts.
“These Practice Directions are the result of a consultative process between the entire Criminal justice system and the legal practice whose aim is purging corruption from our society. The issuance of these Practice Directions will undoubtedly accelerate the conclusion of the matters before Court,” the Government Legal Advisor stated.
Kenya has continued to grapple with the negative impact of corruption and economic crimes that ravages the social, economic, legal, political and cultural fabric of the society. These vices have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Kenya.
These have further violated fundamental human rights and freedoms of Kenyans, distorted markets, eroded the quality of life and allowed organized-crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish.
Other officials who attended the launch ceremony included, Deputy Chief Justice, Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu, Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko, the CEO of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Halakhe Waqo, Governor of The Central Bank Dr Patrick Njoroge, as well as the Principal Judge of the High Court, Justice Richard Mwongo.
Source:mygov.co.ke