Chief Justice David Maraga in a past event. [Photo: the-star.co.ke]/
Chief Justice David Maraga has defended the judiciary following the collapse of high profile corruption and criminal cases before various courts in the country.
Maraga said courts are legally bound to deliver judgment that is based on merits of evidence presented before them by investigating agencies, which were under the direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko.
Speaking when he officially inaugurated the Annual General Conference for Judicial Officer, held in Nakuru, Justice Maraga challenged the DPP to put his office in order and ensure that well researched investigations and credible evidence is submitted before courts.
The collapse of 125 corruption cases through the legal system has sparked off mixed reaction and debate on the fight against graft in the country.
The latest blow to the office of the DPP is the decision by the Anti-Corruption Court to withdraw abuse of office charges against former NYS director Nelson Githinji.
The former NYS Director faced charges for allegedly channeling 497,000 shillings in public funds to service his private vehicle.
Conceding that there were a few corrupt elements still in the judiciary, the Chief Justice noted that credibility of judicial officers and their efficiency in discharging duties had improved significantly.
He said that the Judiciary was on the track to fully digitize its operations to improve speed and efficiency in the disposal of cases before it.
The Supreme Court president said that all cases that have been pending for five years or more would be logically dispensed with by end of this year.
He urged all courts handling election petitions to conduct their proceedings with high-level dignity and professionalism as Kenyans are keenly watching and studying directions and rulings issued by the courts.
Chief Justice Maraga said failure to fully embrace technology in revenue collection was leading to delays and loss of taxpayers’ money.
He further stated that the Judicial Service Commission had put in place strategies to ensure smooth operation of courts across the country.