Chief Justice David Maraga. He has criticized corrupt lawyers saying they are hindering democracy. Photo/the-star.co.keChief Justice David Maraga has criticized corrupt legal officers claiming they are a derailing development of the nation and also hampering delivery of justice services to citizens.
Justice Maraga made the sentiments on Thursday night during The University of Nairobi Alumni Dinner at the University where he also launched The Nairobi School of Law Alumni Chapter.
The Alumni chapter will provide mentorship for law students.
He took issue with malicious legal officers who collected bribes from members of the public and their clients alluding that they were bad role models for the young Law graduates.
The Chief Justice observed that fresh law graduates have very few mentors as those who are supposed to provide mentorship have defiled their professional standards and become prey to the ‘dragon’ of corruption.
He also faulted other members of the public who assume that they are not corrupt but sit and stare at corrupt folks without raising their voices against the killer vice.
“The greatest want of the world is the want of men-men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its name: men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for right though the heavens fall,” Justice Maraga quoted a famous religious scholar and writer Ellen .G. White.
As he spoke, he urged practicing lawyers among other legal cadre who graced the occasion and are Nairobi University School of Law alumni to serve as good example to their juniors.
He asked them to provide extensive mentorship programs so that the nation can have legal officers with acceptable morals hence salvaging the judiciary from corruption.
Justice Maraga however affirmed that he is devoted to sanitize the Kenyan judiciary by installing and mentoring lawyers with high integrity.
He confided that lawyers who want to amass heavy wealth, drive posh cars and live in classy houses during their first year of legal practice using dubious means will be probed and brought to book.