Law Society of Kenya President Isaac Okero has defended the Judiciary over ongoing blame game that it is impeding the war on corruption, saying it is unfair and the move will undermine public trust and confidence.
“The truth is that cases in court are as good as are presented and prosecuted. Shoddy investigations and poorly conducted prosecutions are more likely the cause of delays in the determination of cases or of the low rate of convictions than corruption of judicial officers,” Okero said the LSK Facebook page.
He said for the best results in the trial of corruption cases each component of the entire process - investigation, prosecution and adjudication - must aspire to the highest quality.
The Judiciary is concerned and responsible only for the adjudication of cases before it and Kenyans know only too well that the first two stages of investigation and prosecution are often far from free of fault or contamination.
He at the same time congratulated Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga following his formal appointment on Wednesday.
Okero said he is upbeat that as the Chief Justice, President of the Supreme Court and chair of the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Maraga will restore both the function, dignity and collegiality of the apex court as well as enhance discipline and professional standards within the Judiciary, both necessary to build public confidence.”
“With his experience in private practice and as a judge of the superior court, he has the benefit of perspectives of both the bar and the bench as he considers his strategy.”
Okero said Maraga deserves the full support of the bar as he embarks on his mission and so should bank on the LSK and its members.