NAIROBI, Kenya
Kenya’s Chief Justice, Martha Koome, on Monday morning held a meeting with President William Ruto and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula at State House Nairobi.
The CJ as the chairperson of
the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) requested the meeting last week following
weeks of sustained attacks on the Judiciary and judges over alleged corruption.
Also in attendance were Deputy
Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Attorney General Justin Muturi and Solicitor
Shadrack Mose.
The JSC requested the meeting
with the President last week so that they can discuss the issues he has been
raising concerning alleged corruption in the Judiciary.
“…the Chief Justice called for
talks and I want to say I welcome the talks. On January 2, I committed that we
needed a conversation on how to deal with corruption,” Dr Ruto said on Tuesday
while addressing wananchi in Tindiret, Nandi County.
Justice Koome has maintained
that it was the Commission’s firm position that corruption or misconduct in the
Judiciary is addressed with the utmost priority.
She said upholding integrity
in the discharge of judicial duties is non-negotiable and in fact goes to the
heart of the fundamental right of access to justice.
The CJ added that the JSC has
continued to deal firmly with all allegations of corruption and misconduct
presented to the Commission.
Kenya's opposition chief, Raila Odinga on Monday criticised Chief Justice for holding a meeting with President at State House, terming it an irresponsible move.
Speaking in Lamu county, Raila
said if at all the two had to meet to discuss the recent fallout between the
Judiciary and the Executive, then such a meeting should have happened in a
neutral place.
"State House is the home
of the Executive. That is where the president resides. If there is going to be
a dialogue over issues of governance, it should be held in a neutral
ground," Raila said.
The ODM leader said the
meeting means the Judiciary is being compromised by the Executive.
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