Kenyans are up in arms against Justice James Wakiaga, saying he is biased and compromised for trying to gag the media in reporting Monica Kimani’s murder trial.
The judge who took over the case from Justice Jessie Lessit barred the media from reporting on the trial citing sub judice> He said he would be upset if the media continues influencing the thinking on the case yet it is still in court.
“My attitude towards these people (media) is negative!…Those statements that you keep on telling us about this case, stop writing them from now,” he said.
“I am an old-school judge… if I am influenced before a case, I get upset.”
Wakiaga said anybody who shall give information “will find it very difficult” now that he has taken over the matter. “…from now that I am taking this matter…. let us try and be kind to all of us…the information you put out there will put me in difficult position if I acquit these guys,” he said.
But Kenyans have told him, that they will continue reporting on the case because it is a matter of public interest.
As long as the Jacque-jowie murder case is public, we’ll continue to speculate and peddle information.Even drunkards are having bar talks abt it. Seems Wakiaga wants the case dead. Does he depend on the media to make judgements?Very telling
— Mukami (@Mukami_Mungai) October 17, 2018
A section of Kenyans also wondered why the judge is hell bend on gagging the media and not presiding over the case?
But why is judge James Wakiaga more interested in gagging the media than presiding over the case? Anything he knows? Every court order must be backed by a clear reason and law supporting the same. Courts issues are not handled based on personal whims and feelings.
— Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) October 17, 2018
Justice James Wakiaga must stop blocking the media from reporting on the trial of Jacque Maribe and Irungu unless he is a state agent assigned to protect the suspects. The media has a pivotal role to play in administration of justice @dkmaraga cc @ODPP_KE
— Rein (@Asamoh_) October 17, 2018